SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois has more lead lines that bring drinking water into homes than any other state, but under Senator Melinda Bush’s Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act, which became law Friday, that will change.
“Lead service lines are a health threat that poisons our children, undermines our residents’ confidence in our municipal government and costs billions of dollars,” Bush said. “This is a feasible and equitable path forward that would require all cities in Illinois to tackle a problem that we know harms Black and Latinx communities the most.”
The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act establishes timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois and creates a low-income water assistance program to help fund financial assistance and water projects that include lead pipe replacement.
As more cities across the country have seen increased amounts of lead in their drinking water – including Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Cicero and Rockford – the health risk has also increased. Aside from keeping the harmful chemical out of people’s water, the Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act would create up to 11,000 jobs and $115 billion in economic activity each year.
“After years of fighting this battle, we are finally on the right track toward bringing safer drinking water into our communities,” Bush said. “Today shows our commitment to the health of all Illinoisans – one that is long overdue.”
The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act was signed into law Friday.