Des Plaines, IL · PWSID IL0310630
Des Plaines lead service lines
3,075 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Des Plaines reported 1,497 lead and 1,578 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 16,760 in its inventory. That's 18% of all its lines. Another 5,634 (34%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #29 of 397 Illinois systems with confirmed lead lines, and #163 nationally.
18% of Des Plaines's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's 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%
Total service lines reported: 16,760. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 60,675; 17,080 connections.
Lead test results
Des Plaines's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2026–Jun 2026) was 5.7 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 11,542 in 2025 Q1 to 3,075 in 2026 Q3: down 8,467 (73%). Lines of unknown material went from 0 to 5,634, up 5,634.
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 2 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 2 still open for Des Plaines. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Open |
| Oct 2024 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Open |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Des Plaines's main water source is purchased surface water. It buys treated water from Chicago, Northwest Water Commission. The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while Des Plaines is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program. It sells water to 5 other water systems: Rosemont, Aqua Illinois-North Maine Utilities, IL American-Waycinden, Buckhorn Ranch Estates MHP, Northwest Water Commission.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
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.
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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
60016
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 360,857 | 39,427 |
| Cicero | 13,039 | 1,148 |
| Evanston | 9,468 | 0 |
| Skokie | 6,349 | 8,910 |
| Berwyn | 10,828 | 174 |
| Oak Park | 7,649 | 1,222 |
| Elmwood Park | 5,825 | 0 |
| Evergreen Park | 5,981 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Des Plaines have lead pipes?
Yes. Des Plaines reported 1,497 lead service lines and 1,578 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 16,760 total. 5,634 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 2 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 2 still open for Des Plaines.
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, "Des Plaines lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/il/des-plaines/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.