Lead Pipe Self-Service

Effective January 1, 2022, the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA) (Public Act 102-0613) replaced the former lead materials inventory requirements found in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act at 415 ILCS 5/17/11.  

The first purpose of the LSLRNA is to require owners and operators of community water supplies to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive water service line material inventory and replacement plan. The lead service line replacement and notification requirements can be found at 415 ILCS 5/17.12. A well-developed materials inventory will allow communities and water utilities to prioritize and strategize the replacement of known lead water service lines within their water distribution system.

See the Illinois Dept of Public Health for more information.

WHAT IS A WATER SERVICE LINE, AND WHO OWNS IT?

A water service line is the pipe that runs from the public water main to a home or building's internal plumbing for potable use.  In Park
Forest, water service lines from the public water main, up to and including the exterior water shut off valve/buffalo box, are owned and maintained by the Village.  Home and business owners, own and maintain the water service line from the outside water shut off valve/buffalo box into and throughout the home and/or business.  

LEAD SERVICE LINES

Generally, homes in Park Forest were built with copper water lines. However, some homes may have a service line made of lead or lead components. One of the primary sources of lead in drinking water comes from homes and businesses with lead service lines.  As potable water is transported through these lead service lines, lead may leach into the water from the service line or from other plumbing components.  Older homes, especially those built before 1986, are more likely to have lead service lines, fixtures, and solder.

TAKE OUR SURVEY

The Village is currently surveying all homes and businesses to identify any existing lead service lines.  Letters were mailed out to all residents and businesses to make a 5 minute appointment for an inspector to go into your home and business to take a photo of the water service line entering your space and document the material.   Residents and businesses can also perform a self-assessment.  Please complete the brief Google form, water service line material survey to report the material composition of your water lines. See below for additional info to assist in your self-assessment.

HOW DO I CHECK MY SERVICE LINE’S MATERIAL?

To find out if you have a copper, lead, or galvanized steel service on your property, you (or your landlord) can perform a test on the water service line where it connects to the water meter to determine the material of the water service line on your property. 

STEPS TO CHECK YOUR SERVICE LINE

MATERIALS NEEDED: KEY OR COIN, STRONG MAGNET

• Find the water meter on your property. Water meters are usually located in the laundry room or utility closet.
• Look for the pipe that comes through the floor of your home or foundation and connects to the meter.
• Utilize a key or coin to scratch the pipe gently. If the pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.
• Place the magnet on the pipe to see if it sticks.
• Take a few photos of your service pipes at the meter. 
• Determine your pipe material and fill out the brief Google form survey.  You may need to log into your Google account to fill out survey.

*If you need any assistance determining the material of your water pipe, please make an appointment here, Lead Service Line Appointments, or call the Department of Public Works at 708-503-7702*

If your pipe is copper:
The pipe may appear dull brown on the outside but will be the color of a bright penny if gently scratched. A magnet will not stick. 

If your pipe is lead:
The pipe will appear dull and soft but will turn a shiny silver color when scratched.  A "bulb" may also be present.  A magnet will not stick. 

If your pipe is galvanized steel:
The scratched area will remain a dull gray. You may still have a lead gooseneck (bulb) on your service line. A magnet will stick.

Survey Example

If you plan to submit a self-survey, you may see different piping materials in your home as shown below.  Public Works wants to know the material as it comes through the floor.  So in this example you would select "Copper" as the observed self-survey, not "Galvanized".   If you have any questions, please call Public Works at 708-503-7702.