Evanston launches lead service line replacement plan set for 2027

The City Council of Evanston held a meeting on April 10, 2025, where Daryl King, the water production bureau chief, addressed the community regarding lead service line material notices that residents will receive soon. King emphasized the city's commitment to water safety, highlighting that Evanston has been treating its water with a corrosion inhibitor since 1992. This treatment helps prevent metals, including lead, from leaching into the water supply, ensuring compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act's Lead and Copper Rule.

King informed residents that if they have lead service lines, flushing their pipes is crucial. He recommended that homeowners flush their taps for a few minutes after being away for extended periods to ensure fresh water is consumed. Additionally, he suggested using NSF 42 certified point-of-use filter pitchers as an extra precaution against lead.

The meeting also outlined a comprehensive 20-year citywide lead service line replacement plan set to begin in 2027. This plan will prioritize locations based on need and will replace lead service lines associated with annual water main replacement projects, which cover up to 3.2 miles each year. Furthermore, a pilot project targeting low to moderate-income areas will replace lead service lines at 50 identified locations starting this fall.

Residents were informed about a homeowner-initiated project that allows them to pay for the replacement of lead or galvanized lines on their property, with the city covering the costs for the public side of the replacement. For more information on lead service line replacement efforts, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s dedicated website.