Chicago is home to more lead service lines than any other U.S. city, and many homeowners don’t even know what kind of pipe is bringing water into their home. That’s where the Service Line Inventory (SLI) comes in. This free online tool lets you look up your address and see whether your service line is lead, non-lead, or still unknown.
Why does it matter? Because lead pipes can pose serious health risks, lower buyer confidence, and even impact your home’s value. Knowing what’s underground is the first step toward protecting your family — and taking advantage of City programs that can help with testing, filters, and replacement.
How Chicago’s Lead Service Line Replacement Works
If your home has a lead service line, replacing it means swapping out the pipe from the water main in the street all the way into your house. The City uses two main methods:
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Open trench replacement — digging a path from the street across the parkway to the street main.
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Trenchless construction — less invasive where possible.
Either way, the goal is the same: a safe, modern copper line delivering clean water into your home.
City Programs That Can Help
Chicago knows the cost of replacement can be steep — often tens of thousands of dollars — so there are programs to reduce or eliminate the financial burden:
| Program | Who Qualifies / What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Equity Lead Service Line Replacement | For owner-occupied homes with income ≤ ~80% of Area Median Income. Priority given to those with children under 18 or elevated lead in testing. Includes free full replacement + free water meter if needed. |
| Homeowner-Initiated Replacement | If you want to choose your own contractor. The City will waive permit fees, help connect to the water main, and give you a free water meter if you don’t already have one. |
| Daycare Replacement Program | Free line replacement for certain licensed daycare homes. |
| Breaks & Leaks Program | If your line breaks or leaks, both public and private portions must be replaced at no cost once reported. |
| Block-Long Replacement Program | When the City does work on a block (water/sewer main repair), any impacted lead service lines are replaced without cost to homeowners. |
Filters & Interim Protections
While replacement may take time, Chicago offers interim solutions to reduce exposure and keep your water safer in the meantime:
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Free Water Filter Sets: If you qualify, you can get a filter set mailed to your home — pitcher plus six replacement cartridges NSF-certified to remove lead.
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Follow the recommendations: Use certified filters, flush your pipes after water has been sitting, and request follow-up testing after replacement.
What Homeowners Need to Do
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Check your address in the Service Line Inventory: sli.chicagowaterquality.org.
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If it shows “lead” or “unknown”: request a free water test kit.
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See if you qualify for replacement programs or free filters.
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Apply / coordinate construction when eligible.
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Use filters certified NSF-53 as interim protection, then follow up with testing after replacement.
Why This Matters for Homeowners & Sellers
Lead service lines aren’t just a health risk — they’re also a real estate issue. Buyers want transparency, safety, and certainty. A home with updated infrastructure, non-lead service lines, or proof that filters have been used properly has a stronger position in the market.
Especially in neighborhoods like West Town, where many older homes are involved, being proactive on this can save money, improve health, and prevent last-minute surprises during a sale.
Bottom Line
Don’t wait. Check your service line. While you work toward replacement (if needed), take advantage of trusted interim protections like certified filters. Clean, safe water isn’t just peace of mind — it’s smart for your health and your home’s value.
Ready to Talk About Your Options?
If you’re a homeowner in West Town or greater Chicago and aren’t sure where to start, I can help you navigate the City’s programs, connect you with trusted resources, and show you how this impacts your property value if you’re planning to sell.
👉 Reach out today at 773-865-5661 or [email protected] — let’s make sure your home is safe, market-ready, and positioned as a smart investment for the future.
