Some homes and small buildings in Elgin, Illinois, were found to have too much lead in their tap water, according to recent testing done between January and June 2025. The city tested 100 homes and discovered that 48 of them had lead levels higher than what is considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The city wants people to know that the problem is not with the city’s water supply or treatment plant. Instead, the lead is getting into the water from the old pipes that connect some homes and buildings to the main water line. These pipes, called lead service lines, are usually found in older homes and can slowly release lead into the water over time.
Where the Lead is Coming From
The water itself is safe when it leaves the city’s water treatment plant. But once it goes through old pipes that contain lead, especially the ones under older homes or leading into them, the lead can mix with the water. These pipes were commonly used many decades ago, especially in homes built before the 1980s.
When water sits in these lead pipes for a while—like overnight or when no one has used the faucet for several hours—lead can slowly leach into the water. Using that water for drinking or cooking can be harmful, especially for young children, pregnant women, and people with health issues.
What the City is Doing About It
The City of Elgin has already started a large project to fix this. Here’s what they’re doing:
- They are currently replacing about 1,000 lead service lines each year.
- Each line costs about $15,000 to replace, which adds up to a big investment.
- The city has created a $150 million plan to remove all the remaining 8,900 lead pipes over the next several years.
- While this work is going on, the city is also offering free water filters and testing kits to people who may be affected.
City workers are focusing first on the homes with the highest levels of lead, and on neighborhoods with older buildings. Officials are also sending out letters and reminders to residents to let them know about the risks and to explain what they can do to stay safe.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
If you live in Elgin—especially in an older home—there are a few things you can do right now to lower the chances of getting lead in your water:
- Run your tap water for a few minutes before drinking or cooking, especially if it hasn’t been used in hours. This helps flush out any water that sat in the lead pipes.
- Use a water filter certified to remove lead. These filters are often available at hardware stores or online. The city may also provide one for free.
- Do not use hot tap water for cooking or making baby formula, because hot water can carry more lead.
Contact the city to find out if your home still has a lead service line. You can also ask for a water test to check your home’s water.
Why Lead in Water Is a Big Deal
Lead is a toxic metal. Even small amounts can cause health problems, especially in kids. It can affect brain development, behavior, and the ability to learn. In adults, lead exposure may lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, or nerve damage. The EPA says there is no safe level of lead in drinking water.
This is why the city is treating the situation seriously. They are not only working to replace pipes, but they’re also educating the public and offering resources. Officials want people to understand the risks and take action while the long-term fixes are underway.
