SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam backed a new law that will fast-track lead service line replacements in Illinois.
“Lead service lines pose a health hazard to our neighbors who rely on this infrastructure for clean, safe water,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With roughly 400,000 lead service lines across Chicago alone, it is time we work to ensure these lines are replaced in a timely manner and prevent future public health risks.”
In April 2014, a switch in the municipal water supply source in Flint, Michigan caused water distribution pipes to corrode and leach lead and other contaminants into local drinking water. Residents started experiencing and reporting negative health and behavioral effects from lead exposure in their water, leading to local, state and national leaders declaring a state of emergency for the area.
In an effort to prevent potential health risks for residents in Illinois, which is in the process of replacing hundreds of thousands of lead service lines, the Villivalam-backed law enables utility companies and their contractors to accelerate the replacement of lead and hazardous service lines.
To achieve this, the law breaks down barriers that delay lead service line replacement by ensuring utility companies and contractors are able to access service lines located on private property – at no cost to the property owner. In addition, the law expands who can authorize and perform these replacements.
“Securing pathways that accelerate lead service line replacements across the state is an imperative step forward to ensuring positive health outcomes for our neighbors and prevent containments in our drinking water,” said Villivalam.
Senate Bill 4025 was signed into law last week and takes effect immediately.
