Illinois · population 58,832
Lead pipes in Des Plaines, IL
3,075 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Des Plaines (population 58,832) gets its water from Des Plaines. That system reported 1,497 lead and 1,578 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 16,760, with 5,634 more of unknown material.
18% of Des Plaines's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, about the same as the Illinois average (17%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 8.9%
- Galvanized (replace) 9.4%
- Unknown 34%
- Non-lead 48%
Latest lead test for Des Plaines (Jan 2026–Jun 2026): 5.7 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists 2 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 2 still open for Des Plaines.
Water systems serving Des Plaines
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des PlainesMain system | 1,497 | 1,578 | 5,634 | 18% |
| IL American-WaycindenServes nearby areas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
Check your address in Des Plaines
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Des Plaines's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Mount Prospect727 lead + galv. lines
- Park Ridge3,121 lead + galv. lines
- Rosemontno lead reported
- Niles1,399 lead + galv. lines
- Prospect Heightsno lead reported
- Elk Groveno lead reported
- Glenview427 lead + galv. lines
- Schiller Parkno lead reported
Check another water system
Questions
Does Des Plaines, IL have lead pipes?
Yes. Des Plaines, which serves Des Plaines, reported 1,497 lead and 1,578 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 5,634 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Des Plaines?
EPA's service area maps place most of Des Plaines in Des Plaines's service area (PWSID IL0310630). IL American-Waycinden also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Des Plaines home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Des Plaines's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Des Plaines be replaced?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Des Plaines whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.