Lead Service Line Replacement Program

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ABOUT

The Village of Homewood is launching a Lead Service Line Replacement (LSL) Program to protect public health by removing lead pipes connecting water mains to homes (service lines), thereby eliminating the potential of lead contamination in drinking water. This replacement program is mandated by both the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).

Through Homewood’s LSL Program, residents with lead service lines will have their entire service line replaced (at no cost) from the Village-owned water main in the street to the resident owned water meter. Replacement work in designated areas is anticipated to begin in summer of 2026, with the program expected to continue over the next 10 to 17 years.

The Village’s contractor will work closely with homeowners to coordinate access to the interior of homes in order to complete the necessary improvements up to the water meter inside the home.

After replacing the service line, the Village’s contractor will complete basic restoration of impacted private property, including outdoor concrete repairs and hydroseeding. Street repairs in affected areas will also be completed at the conclusion of the project.

MAP OF THE PROJECT AREA

WHAT IS A SERVICE LINE?

WHAT IS THE REPLACEMENT PROCESS?

The Lead Service Replacement process is simple. The Village has hired a contractor to manage and execute the Lead Service Line replacements.

Please see the process below:

Public Works will identify the project area within Homewood.
The Village’s contractor will arrange a site visit with the homeowner.
The Village’s contractor will schedule the replacement of the lead service line.
The Village’s contractor will complete the lead service line removal and install the new copper service line.
The Village’s contractor will schedule an inspection of the finished work.
The Village’s contractor will restore grass and concrete in outdoor areas. The homeowner is responsible for cosmetic repairs inside the home, like drywall, tile, and paint, as well as replacing landscaping outside.

RESOURCES

Here is a video developed by the American Water Works Association regarding lead service lines and lead in your water.

Together, we can get the lead out!

Do you have lead pipes in your home? Read more about discovering which kind of service line you have in your home.

Find Lead Pipes In Your Home

types of pipe

If you have lead service lines in your home, here is an article that may be helpful.

CDC + Lead Service Lines

PUBLIC HEARING

public hearing

Public Hearing Notice – Project Summary and Preliminary Impacts Determination

Notice of Public Hearing

The Village of Homewood has submitted a loan application to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency seeking funds to conduct lead service line replacements within the Village service area. Section 663.320 of the Illinois Procedures for Issuing Loans from the Public Water Supply Revolving Loan Program requires that the IEPA conduct an assessment of the environmental impacts of the proposed drinking water project to be funded with a loan. This review was carried out in conjunction with the State’s review of the Village’s project plan. Prior to final approval of the plan, the public’s comments are sought regarding environmental impacts of the proposed project.

The IEPA has reviewed the project plan and has determined the project to be technically sound and cost-effective. Unless new information gained from the public causes a reconsideration, the Agency will approve the project plan at the close of the public comment period.

The Village of Homewood is making available for public inspection and comments a Project Summary and Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination (PEID). That document is available for public inspection at Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Rd., Homewood, Illinois at any time during regular business hours.

A public hearing will be held for the purpose of receiving comments on the Project Summary and Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination on March 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The public hearing will be held in the Village Hall Board Room, 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, Illinois. Written comments on the Project Summary and Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination may be submitted at any time up to and including March 28, 2025.

Written comments may be submitted by mail or email to the following:

Attention: Assistant Village Manager, Terence Acquah

2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, Illinois

tacquah@homewoodil.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

What can I do if my water service is known to be made of lead?
A:

1. Run the faucet for 30 seconds before using water from the tap.

2. Never use hot water from the faucet for drinking or cooking.

3. If the material of your service line is unknown, we recommend making an appointment with Homewood Public Works to have it inspected.
What type of restoration can I expect on my property?
A: The Village’s contractor will fix any structural damage, replacing parts of the driveway or sidewalk that are disturbed due to LSL replacements, putting fences back in place, and reseeding the lawn with grass. Additionally, we will only repair what is needed to make the area safe and usable inside and outside the home. The homeowner is responsible for cosmetic repairs inside the home, like drywall, tile, and paint, as well as replacing landscaping outside.
How do I get my lead water line replaced quickly?
A: The Village will have a map of homes and areas that we will replace annually. Rest assured, all homes that need a LSL replacement will receive one and be notified of the project start date.
Do I have to pay for my Lead Service Line to be replaced?
A: No. Residents are only responsible for the cost of replacing their service lines if they opt-out of the Village replacement program. The estimated cost in 2026 is between $10K to $20K.
When will my Lead Service Line be replaced?
A: Service line replacements will begin in summer of 2026. The state does not provide funding for this work, so it’s called an “unfunded mandate.” This $70M project will take time. Homewood has over 4,300 lead service lines that will be replaced over a 10 to 17 year period. Your neighborhood will be notified well in advance before any replacement work is scheduled.