Village takes decisive action to replace lead service lines

In a recent government meeting, village officials highlighted significant progress in addressing lead service line replacements, showcasing proactive measures taken to comply with state mandates. The village has successfully secured funding through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), obtaining no-interest loans for 2024 and being placed on the intended fund list for 2025. This positions the village as having the second-largest allocation of such funding in Illinois.

In August 2023, amendments were made to the lead service line replacement fund, allowing for reimbursement to residents replacing their private service lines. Since the implementation of this fund, the village has initiated a capital improvement project that includes both private and public service line replacements. Unique Plumbing was awarded the contract and has already replaced 44 lead service lines identified as leaking.

As part of the reimbursement initiative, the village has issued nine reimbursements totaling approximately $78,000 to homeowners who have replaced their private lines. Additionally, there are four pending inquiries for reimbursement, estimated at around $51,000 based on submitted quotes. Officials confirmed that all homeowners identified after a recent water rate modification have received reimbursement funding, fulfilling the program's intent to support residents during the transition period.