The City is releasing the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) technical report the first week of February. It contains a menu of recommendations and options specific to Chicago’s unique LSLR needs. Phase 1 of the LSLR Program implements the initial set of these recommendations. Phase I is only the beginning of a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar Lead Service Line Replacement program.
With almost 400,000 lead service lines in the ground, it will take many years to remove them all. Approved by the City Council, there are two Phase 1 programs designed to help homeowners who want to replace their lead service lines that will be ready for applications shortly:
Homeowner-Initiated: The City will waive up to $3,100 in permit fees for any resident homeowner who wishes to replace their lead service line. The fee waiver will not be available if the request is made in conjunction with a structural renovation.
Equity Program: To offer assistance to those most in need of lead service line replacement, residents whose water persistently tests over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Action Level of 15 parts per billion of lead and have a household income below 80% of the area median income, may qualify for a free lead service line replacement. For the Equity LSLR Program, residences must be owner-occupied and either a single-family or two-flat home.
More information at www.LeadSafeChicago.org.
