Much of the nation’s water infrastructure was built in the 1970s and 1980s, and nationwide, localities are grappling with how to manage increasing failures of these aging systems. Lack of funding and inconsistent attention has produced a series of system catastrophes, including water main breaks and treatment plant breakdowns, which compromise public health and safety. Perhaps the issue that has garnered the most attention, due to both the threats posed to public health and the intense media scrutiny of the fallout, is lead pipes.

According to the EPA, Illinois has the second highest number of lead pipes in the U.S. (Florida has the most). In 2021, Illinois passed the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act and became the third state in the U.S. to mandate the replacement of lead water lines. The act also requires community water suppliers to provide notice of lead service lines to residences or businesses and to inform them of any construction that may trigger the release of lead into drinking water.[1] Further, the act prohibits partial service line replacement, whereby only the utility side is replaced.

Although the act is highly praised, the mandate was left unfunded, leaving communities to underwrite the endeavor. In Evanston, Illinois, a 17.5% increase in the water rate is set to begin January 1, 2024 to address, in part, costs associated with satisfying the myriad requirements of the legislation. By law, lead line replacement must begin in 2027 and be completed by 2047. The city plans to replace 500 lead service lines each year, beginning as early as next year, and to replace or repair 2% of the water distribution system annually as over half of the city’s water mains are 80 years or older.[2]

The rate increase also adjusts for inflation and amends the slight inclines in rates in recent years that resulted in an “under-investment in the city’s water main system,” and will ultimately result in a 66% increase in water-sewer bill for the average consumer by 2029.[3] The increased cost of everything, from parts to labor, is also driving the decision to increase the rate.

The city plans to apply for funds allocated to lead line replacement by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but until such funding is confirmed, it will move forward with the assumption of financial responsibility.

[1] Orr, Jeremy. “Illinois Passes Landmark Legislation to Replace Lead Pipes.” Be a Force for the Future, 1 June 2021, www.nrdc.org/bio/jeremy-orr/illinois-passes-landmark-legislation-replace-lead-pipes.

[2] Seidenberg, Bob. “17.5% Water Rate Hike on Fast Track as City Opens Budget Discussions.” Evanston RoundTable, 11 Oct. 2023, evanstonroundtable.com/2023/10/11/water-rate-increase-evanston-administration-public-works/.

[3] Seidenberg, Bob. “17.5% Water Rate Hike on Fast Track as City Opens Budget Discussions.” Evanston RoundTable, 11 Oct. 2023, evanstonroundtable.com/2023/10/11/water-rate-increase-evanston-administration-public-works/.