Protecting Yourself From Lead In Drinking Water FAQs

What are the risks of lead exposure? y Lead is most dangerous to children younger than six years old and people who are pregnant. Lead can hurt a child's brain and nervous system and slow down growth and development. People exposed to lead as children can have lifelong difficulties with learning and behavior and may have trouble paying attention. Drinking water is only one source of lead. A person can also be exposed to lead from paint, dust, and contaminated soil. Imported candies, cosmetics, toys, and other products may also contain lead. For more information about health effects of lead visit the EPA’s Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water page.

When water leaves the City’s water treatment plant, it is lead free. The water mains in the street that transport water from the treatment plant are made mostly of iron and steel, and do not add lead to the drinking water. Lead can get into drinking water from the plumbing inside your home or the service line between the street and your home. When water sits in the service line or your home plumbing without being used for several hours, the lead may dissolve into the water. That is why you should flush your lines every morning.

Your local doctor or health care provider can perform a blood test for lead and give you information about the health effects of lead. You can find out more about how to get your child tested and how to pay for it at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Lead Screening Website.

Lead was commonly used for water service lines until the mid 1970’s and commonly used in household plumbing fixtures (faucets, valves, sinks, shower heads, hose bibs, etc.) and solder until 1987, when it was banned by the US EPA. From 1987 to 2014, plumbing fixtures could contain up to 8% lead to be categorized as, “Lead free.” After 2014, standards for “Lead free” fixtures allow no more than 0.25% of lead content. Many homes and buildings, especially those built before 1987, may have service lines and/or internal plumbing and fixtures that are made of or contain lead.