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City reports inventory of private lead service lines; 11 of 60 sampled homes exceeded Illinois EPA guidance
Summary
Lake Forest staff reported the city’s lead service line inventory and an IEPA-required sampling effort that found 11 of 60 tested homes exceeded guidance levels; staff emphasized that the city’s distribution system is lead-free and that private service lines are owned by property owners under city code.
City staff on July 7 told the Lake Forest City Council that the city’s water distribution system and treatment plant are lead‑free but that a small share of private residential service lines remain identified as lead.
Assistant Director of Public Works Jim Lacafier said the city’s inventory — prepared under Illinois EPA requirements — shows just under 7,250 total service connections and that about 250 private service lines (roughly 4% of the total) remain identified as lead. Lacafier said the Illinois EPA required sampling of a subset of those privately owned lines; the city sampled 60 of the identified private lead service lines and reported 11 homes had results exceeding IEPA guidance.
Lacafier emphasized the distinction between the city-owned distribution system (treatment plant, mains — described as lead‑free) and the privately owned service line running from the main to a residence, which the city code identifies as private property and the owner’s responsibility. He said the city conducted verification appointments that reduced an earlier inventory from about 400 properties down to the current list of about 250 after physical confirmation.
Treatment and communication: Lacafier and city staff said the water plant continues standard corrosion-control treatment (phosphate-based corrosion control was referenced in a question from the mayor) and that the plant’s water leaving the facility is lead-free. Staff said they are working closely with the communications department and with Illinois EPA to determine whether broader public education notices will be required; Lacafier said the city would prefer to work with the 250 known properties directly rather than send a broader community mailing if that is allowed.
What to watch: Staff said they will continue to coordinate with the Illinois EPA on next steps and any broader notification requirements. Property owners with confirmed lead service lines already have been identified and contacted, according to Lacafier.
