Navigating Laws on Lead: Illinois

Illinois has adopted the Lead & Copper Rule Revisions into Illinois Administrative Code. There are conflicts between the LCRR and Illinois’ Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act. Communities should plan to follow whichever regulation has the most stringent requirements. This will vary depending on the various components of each law.

In Illinois, the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act went into effect January 1, 2022. This law goes above and beyond the Lead & Copper Rule Revisions, mandating replacement of all lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines. The rate of replacement is shown below.

Number of Service Lines Requiring Replacement	Annual Replacement Rate	Timeline
1,200 or less	7%	15 years
1,201 – 4,999	6%	17 years
5,000 – 9,999	5%	20 years
10,000 – 99,999	3%	34 years
100,000 or more	2%	50 years

Illinois law requires all systems with known lead, GRR or remaining unknowns complete the following on an annual basis through 2027:

Provide IEPA an updated Water Service Line Material Inventory and Lead Service Line Replacement Plan by April 15^th each year.
Provide an annual notification to all Lead, GRR and Unknown water service lines and submit IEPA’s Notice Certification Form

The final Lead Service Line Replacement Plan is due April 15, 2027, with full replacements to begin in 2027 for communities with lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or suspected lead service lines remaining in their system.

Inventories and Replacements Plans

Submit to: EPA.LeadandCopper@illinois.gov

Lead Service Line Inventory Grant is Still Available

This round of funding will close once all allocated funds are exhausted. If you have received funds previously from this Grant program, you are eligible to request additional funding.

Visit IEPA for more information.