Process for replacing lead service lines in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin to comply with EPA regulations

In October 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule requiring all drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead service lines within 10 years. To support this, federal programs, including the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act (WIFIA), are providing funding to reduce lead in drinking water.

As communities gear up to meet the EPA's goal of 100% lead service line replacement, understanding the process of replacing lead service lines is critical. In this blog post, we break down how Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are approaching the challenge and why partnering with an experienced team of water engineers like Fehr Graham helps make the process more manageable. 

Replacing lead service lines in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin

Water service lines are underground water pipes that connect homes or buildings to a water main or other drinking water source, such as a private well. An estimated 9.2 million lead service lines deliver water to properties throughout the U.S. These lines are usually jointly owned by water utilities and property owners.

Replacing lead service lines in Illinois

Illinois has one of the highest concentrations of lead service lines in the nation. To address this issue, the state passed Public Act 102-0613 to address the known and unknown burden of lead service lines. The Act requires:

• Continued inventory and identification of lead service lines by community water supplies.
• Notification of property owners and occupants about the presence of lead service lines and any construction activities that could disturb them.
• Full lead service line replacement – no partial replacements allowed except in certain circumstances.

In May 2024, the EPA announced more than $240 million in funding for Illinois through the DWSRF to support lead service line replacement and inventory projects. The Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) grant program also helps Illinois community leaders identify and document lead service line locations and conditions. 

Replacing lead service lines in Iowa

The EPA estimates Iowa has more than 96,000 lead service lines. In response, the EPA allocated $37.4 million in drinking water infrastructure funding for Iowa through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. Additional 0%-interest loans are available through LSLR funding for eligible communities. All community water supplies in Iowa were mandated to build a lead service line inventory by Oct. 16, 2024.

Replacing lead service lines in Wisconsin

Wisconsin utilities own about 158,000 lead service lines, and the state has around 147,000 known privately-owned lead lines. The EPA has allocated more than $83 million to help Wisconsin communities identify and replace lead service lines. In addition to federal funds available for lead service line replacement, Wisconsin Act 137 allows municipalities and utilities to provide grants and loans to help private property owners replace their lead service lines.

The process for replacing lead service lines in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and other states is initiated either by homeowners or municipalities. The general process for replacing lead service lines follows these steps: 

The key to a successful lead service line replacement lies in partnering with a licensed and certified contractor who can guide you through the process.

How Fehr Graham can help communities with lead service line replacement

At Fehr Graham, we are a dedicated team of licensed engineers who help communities access safe and reliable water. We have helped municipalities across the Midwest replace more than 4,200 lead service lines. We have also helped numerous clients secure lead service line inventory grants and other funding for service line replacement. With Fehr Graham, you can be assured of successfully replacing lead service lines in communities across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and beyond.