Lead Service Line Information

We want to make sure everyone in Mt. Vernon knows that our water is safe to drink and does not contain lead. We care about your health and have taken important steps to keep our water clean and safe. If you want to see more details, you can look at our water quality reports. These reports show how we keep our drinking water safe.

Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA)

The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (Public Act 102-0613) is a law in Illinois. It helps towns like Mt. Vernon find and remove old lead water lines.

This law says we must:

• Keep track of where lead pipes might be,
• Make a plan to remove them,
• Tell people if their home has a lead water line, and
• Give notices before work is done that could disturb lead pipes.

Also, the law says we can’t replace just part of a lead pipe — we must replace the whole line, unless special reasons apply.

Lead Service Line Replacement Program

In 2023, we asked Mt. Vernon residents to fill out a survey about the kind of water pipes they have. The answers helped us make a list of where lead pipes might still be in use.

This list is called the Lead Service Line Inventory Report, and it was required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Here’s how the program works:

• We will start replacing the old pipes in 2026.
• Contractors will be hired to do the work.
• Each year, at least 10% of the old lead service lines must be replaced.
• This work will continue for about 10 years.

What Will Be Replaced?

The City of Mt. Vernon will replace the pipe that runs:

• From the water main in the street,
• Up to 18 inches inside your home.

Any pipe past that 18 inches is the homeowner’s responsibility to replace.

What are Lead Service Lines?

Lead service lines are pipes that bring water from the city’s water main (in the street) to your home. They were commonly used many years ago, but we now know they can be harmful.

Here’s how it works:

• Service Line: This pipe connects the city’s water system to your house.

• City’s Responsibility: The part of the line up to the water meter is owned and maintained by the City of Mt. Vernon.

• Homeowner’s Responsibility: The part after the water meter to your house belongs to the homeowner. It’s your job to take care of that part.

• Limited Information: Since the city only owns part of the pipe, they may not know what materials were used on the homeowner's side. That means there could be lead in that part and the city might not know about it.

Knowing what your service line is made of is important for keeping your water safe.

What is Lead?

Lead is a type of metal that was used in many things like pipes, paint, and even gasoline. Now we know it can be harmful to our health, especially for kids.

How Does Lead Affect Health?

Lead can be dangerous for everyone, especially:

• Children: It can cause learning problems, behavior issues, and lower IQ.
• Pregnant Women: It can harm unborn babies and cause early birth or low birth weight.
• Adults: It can raise blood pressure, hurt your kidneys, and cause other health problems.

How Can You Be Exposed to Lead?

Lead can get into your body in different ways:

• Drinking Water: If your pipes or plumbing have lead, it can get into your tap water.
• Old Paint or Dust: Homes built before 1978 might have lead paint. Dust or paint chips can be harmful.
• Soil and Air: Lead can stay in the ground from old paint or gas. It can also be in the air near factories or busy roads.
• Jobs and Hobbies: Some work (like construction or car repair) can expose people to lead.

How To Protect Yourself and Your Family

You can take simple steps to help keep lead out of your water and home:

• Test Your Water: You can get your water tested for lead.
• Use Cold Water:  Always use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water can carry more lead from pipes.
• Flush Pipes: If water hasn’t been used for a few hours, run the cold water for a minute before using it.
• Use A Filter: You can install a filter that removes lead. Make sure it’s certified for lead removal.
• Replace Old Pipes: If your home has lead service lines or fixtures, think about replacing them with safer materials.