Lead-Free Water for All
RESOURCES TO LEARN ABOUT LEAD IN WATER AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.
Did you know that Chicago has over 400,000 lead service lines connecting to people's homes? Lead in drinking water is toxic, especially for children. In 2023, Blacks in Green partnered with Elevate and the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health on a program called Lead-Free Water For All, in the Chatham and Woodlawn neighborhoods.
Through this program, we educated and created awareness about lead in water, and provided free testing and filters to help households reduce lead in drinking water. The Lead-Free Water For All Program was funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Justice Small Grant Agreement.
Below you will find resources to learn about lead in water and what you can do to improve the health of your home.
We encourage you to share these resources with anyone who may benefit from this information.
WHAT ARE LEAD SERVICE LINES?
Watch this short video to learn how lead, a common toxic metal, that can enter your drinking water through pipes and plumbing materials made of lead.
RESOURCES
The following are a variety of resources available to you to learn more about lead in water and how to keep your home healthy and your loved ones safe.
LEAD IN WATER
EPA: Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water
EPA Brochure: Is There Lead in My Drinking Water?
EPA Factsheet: Home Water Testing
EPA Factsheet: Consumer Tool for Identifying POU Drinking Water Filters to Reduce Lead
EPA Guide: Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead
City of Chicago: Lead-Safe Chicago
City of Chicago: Lead Service Line Replacement Program
HEALTHY HOMES & OTHER LEAD
EPA Brochure: Make Your House a Healthy Home
EPA Brochure: What You Can Do to Protect Children from Environmental Risks
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU) Guide: Steps to Reduce Exposures in the Home
EPA: Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead in the Home
EPA Booklet: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
EPA Booklet: Fight Lead Poisoning with a Healthy Diet
EPA: Locate Certified Renovation and Lead Dust Sampling Technician Firms
PARTNER RESOURCES
Elevate: Water Safety - Removing Lead in Drinking Water
Elevate: Water Affordability - Need to Know for Your Home
University of Illinois Chicago - School of Public Health: Resources for Lead Exposures
LeadCare Illinois: Free Lead in Water Testing for Child Care Providers
LeadCare Illinois: Your Free Resource to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
National Drinking Water Alliance: Lead in Drinking Water - What to Know if You are a Homeowner
National Drinking Water Alliance: El Plomo en Agua Potable - Lo Que Debe Saber si Usted es Propietario de una Casa
National Drinking Water Alliance: Lead in Drinking Water - What to Know if You are a Renter or Condo Owner
National Drinking Water Alliance: El Plomo en Agua Potable - Lo Que Debe Saber si Usted es un Inquilino o Propietario de un Condominio
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CHICAGO UTILITY BILLING RELIEF (UBR) PROGRAM & LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHWAP)
This program provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year. Benefits for UBR participants include:
A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax
No late payment penalties or debt collection activity
Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance
Learn more: www.chicago.gov/UBR
CERTIFICATES OF ERROR
If a homeowner was eligible for a homestead exemption in tax years 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018, and the exemption was not applied to the paid property tax bill, a refund can be obtained through the Certificate of Error process.
Learn more: www.cookcountyassessor.com/certificates-error
SENIOR EXEMPTION
Most senior homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they are 65 years of age or older (born in 1956 or prior) and own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence.
Learn more: www.cookcountyassessor.com/senior-citizen-exemption
CHICAGO’S ADDITIONAL DWELLING UNITS (ADU) ORDINANCE
This ordinance expands housing access by allowing ADUs in attics, basements, and accessory buildings such as coach houses, backyard houses, and in-law apartments.
Learn more at www.chicago.gov/ADU or contact Ladi at 312-730-6329.
PARTNERS
