Cook County, IL · PWSID IL0316000
Chicago lead service lines
360,857 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Chicago reported 350,531 lead and 10,326 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 486,450 in its inventory. That's 74% of all its lines. Another 39,427 (8.1%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #1 of 397 Illinois systems with confirmed lead lines, and #1 nationally.
74% of Chicago's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Illinois average (17%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 72%
- Galvanized (replace) 2.1%
- Unknown 8.1%
- Non-lead 18%
Total service lines reported: 486,450. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 2,721,308; 526,883 connections.
Lead test results
Chicago's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2026–Jun 2026) was 6.4 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 161,315 in 2025 Q1 to 360,857 in 2026 Q3: up 199,542 (124%). Lines of unknown material went from 251,569 to 39,427, down 212,142 (84%).
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Chicago. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2021 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Chicago's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 51 other water systems, including Alsip, Summit, Berwyn, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Burnham, Calumet City, Calumet Park, Cicero, Des Plaines, Dolton, Elmwood Park, Evergreen Park, Forest Park, Forest View, Franklin Park, Harvey, Harwood Heights, Hometown, Lincolnwood, MC Cook, Melrose Park, Merrionette Park, Norridge, Aqua Illinois-Summerdale, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Riverdale, River Forest.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Free for income-qualified homeowners
Chicago's Equity Lead Service Line Replacement program replaces the line free for income-qualified homeowners. Other owners can use the homeowner-initiated option, which waives city permit fees, but they hire and pay their own contractor.
- Apply at leadsafechicago.org or call 311.
- Ask about the Equity program if your household meets the income limits.
- If you hire your own contractor, ask the city about the permit fee waiver first.
Checked November 2026. Sources: abc7chicago.com, news.wttw.com. Programs and funding change, so confirm with the utility. Programs in other cities.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
Official utility link, checked November 2026.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Chicago whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Cook County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Chicago's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
600186060160602606036060460605606066060760608606096061060611606126061360614606156061660617606186061960620606216062260623606246062560626606286062960630606316063260633606346063660637606386063960640606416064260643606446064560646606476064960651606526065360654606556065660657606596066060661
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Cicero | 13,039 | 1,148 |
| Evanston | 9,468 | 0 |
| Skokie | 6,349 | 8,910 |
| Berwyn | 10,828 | 174 |
| Oak Park | 7,649 | 1,222 |
| Lansing | 5,188 | 56 |
| Elmwood Park | 5,825 | 0 |
| Evergreen Park | 5,981 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Chicago have lead pipes?
Yes. Chicago reported 350,531 lead service lines and 10,326 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 486,450 total. 39,427 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Chicago's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Chicago replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Chicago had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Chicago.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Chicago lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/il/chicago/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.