CHICAGO — Despite having more lead service lines than any other U.S. city, Chicago’s current replacement plan sets a timeline that extends to 2076, which is three decades later than the federal goal. The city’s proposal, submitted to the Illinois EPA in April, calls for replacing about 8,300 lines annually starting in 2027 — a pace far slower than what’s required under federal law.
Chicago’s Timeline Fails to Meet New EPA Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Biden administration has mandated most cities to replace all lead service lines within 10 years of the 2027 compliance start. But Chicago is basing its timeline on an outdated Trump-era rule, according to reporting from Inside Climate News, and plans to stretch the work out over 50 years.
To meet the EPA’s updated expectations, Chicago would need to replace nearly 20,000 lines annually — more than double what it plans.
Why the Delay Matters: Public Health Risks
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that damages the brain, kidneys, reproductive systems, and is particularly dangerous for young children and pregnant women. The risk of contamination increases with aging infrastructure and rising temperatures, which can cause more lead to leach from pipes.
Environmental advocates like Chakena D. Perry of the Natural Resources Defense Council say the extended timeline leaves too many vulnerable residents exposed for too long.
“There’s no number [of years] that is satisfactory to me, but 20-ish years is better than 50,” Perry told Inside Climate News.
Chicago Faces a Massive Infrastructure Task
City records show that only 7,923 replacements have been completed over the past four years, with many occurring only when water mains were being repaired. As of now, over 400,000 lead service lines remain — roughly one million in Illinois overall.
According to the Chicago Department of Water Management, the city intends to scale up efforts and replace 8,000 lines in 2025. But spokesperson Megan Vidis admitted they would need “substantial additional funding” to reach federal expectations.
Federal Funding Could Slip Away
Experts are urging Chicago to act fast before federal aid disappears. Erik Olson of the NRDC stressed that $15 billion in infrastructure funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law could expire next year.
“If Chicago isn’t beating down the doors to get that money, that is tragic,” Olson said.
Despite this, the city’s submitted plan does not yet reflect the new federal pace and instead says it will comply “if the regulations go into effect.”
However, Earthjustice attorney Marissa Lieberman-Klein clarified that the rule is already active, and Chicago has no excuse for further delay.
Legacy of Industry Influence and Inequity
Much of Chicago’s lead service line problem stems from decades-old policies that required their use — policies shaped by plumbers’ unions and lead manufacturers, according to historical investigations.
The Metropolitan Planning Council found that communities of color in Illinois are up to twice as likely as white residents to live in homes with lead pipes, making this a major environmental justice issue.
Where Will the Funding Come From?
The cost of replacing a lead line in Chicago averages around $35,000, according to city officials — significantly higher than the $4,700 to $12,000 national average.
This puts additional pressure on homeowners, who may bear part of the replacement costs because of Chicago’s split ownership model: the city owns one half of the pipe, and the homeowner owns the other.
Local advocates like Anna-Lisa Gonzales Castle of Elevate emphasized the need for full support from federal, state, and city governments.
Do you live in a neighborhood with aging water infrastructure? Have you tested your tap water for lead? Share your experience and concerns in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
