Lead Pipe Self-Service

Effective January 1, 2022, the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA) (Public Act 102-0613) replaced the former lead materials inventory requirements found in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act at 415 ILCS 5/17/11.  

The first purpose of the LSLRNA is to require owners and operators of community water supplies to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive water service line material inventory and replacement plan. The lead service line replacement and notification requirements can be found at 415 ILCS 5/17.12. A well-developed materials inventory will allow communities to prioritize and strategize the replacement of known lead service lines within their water distribution system.

WHAT IS A WATER SERVICE LINE, AND WHO OWNS IT?

A water service line is the pipe that runs from the water main to a home or building's internal plumbing. They are the pipes that carry water from the Village's water treatment plant into the homes of residents. In the Village, water service lines are owned from the Village main to the outside water shut off valve, usually located in the front yard. Individual property owners own the service from the outside shut off valve and into the home.  

LEAD SERVICE LINES

Generally, homes in Park Forest were built with copper water lines. However, some homes may have a service line made of lead or lead components. One of the primary sources of lead in drinking water in our homes are lead service lines (LSLS). LSLS transport treated public water into our homes and may leach lead from pipes into your drinking water. Older homes, especially those built before 1986, are more likely to have lead service lines, fixtures, and solder.

TAKE OUR SURVEY

The Village is surveying all homes to identify any existing lead service lines. Please complete the brief water service line material survey to determine the material composition of your water lines. 

HOW DO I CHECK MY SERVICE LINE’S MATERIAL?

To find out if you have a copper, lead, or galvanized steel service on your property, you (or your landlord) can perform a test on the water service line where it connects to the water meter to determine the material of the water service line on your property. 

STEPS TO CHECK YOUR SERVICE LINE

MATERIALS NEEDED: KEY OR COIN, STRONG MAGNET

  • Find the water meter on your property. Water meters are usually located in the laundry room or utility closet.
  • Look for the pipe that comes through the floor of your home or foundation and connects to the meter.
  • Utilize a key or coin to scratch the pipe gently. If the pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.
  • Place the magnet on the pipe to see if it sticks.
  • Take a few photos of your service pipes at the meter. 
  • Determine your pipe material and fill out the brief survey.

*If you need any assistance determining the material of your water pipe, please make an appointments here, Lead Service Line Appointments, or call the Department of Public Works at 708-503-7702*

If your pipe is copper:
The pipe may appear dull brown on the outside but will be the color of a bright penny if gently scratched. A magnet won't stick. 

COPPER pipe-1


If your pipe is lead:
The pipe will appear dull and soft but will turn a shiny silver color when scratched. A magnet won't stick. 

LEAD pipe-1


If your pipe is galvanized steel:
The scratched area will remain a dull gray. If you have a galvanized steel pipe, you may still have a lead gooseneck (bulb) on your service line. A magnet will stick.

*Note in the below example that we would want to know the material as it comes through the floor. Copper would be checked in this example. 

Galvinized pipe-1