CWLP gets almost $3M in federal funding for more lead service line replacement work

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Starting in March 2025, City Water, Light, and Power will start another phase of lead service line replacements using $2.9 million in Federal money provided through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies Public Water Supply Loan Program State Revolving Fund.

The funding covers the cost of replacement of the portion of lead water service lines that are customer-owned in low-income areas.

It is set to be used for around 400 homes in Census Tracts 16 and 23 within Wards 2 and 3 where CWLP has identified a high density of lead service lines.

CWLP operations and maintenance funds are covering the cost of replacement for the utility-owned portion of lead service lines.

An open house and public meeting for Wards 2 and 3 residents to learn about the program and sign up to be on the replacement list is set for Thursday, December 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army at 1600 E. Clear Lake Avenue.

Work for this phase of lead service line replacements is expected to be completed over a two-year period. Any residents of Wards 2 or 3 who cannot attend the meeting can sign up to be on the contact list for the program here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWGQ9P8 or by calling 217-789-2116 ext. 2632.

Lead service lines in Springfield are located in homes or buildings constructed prior to 1930. Congress banned the use of lead pipes in 1986.

CWLP’s lead service line replacement work started in 2019. There have been over 800 replacements to date but there are another suspected 10,000 lead service lines still needing replacement.

State and Federal Regulations requiring lead service line replacement are set to take effect in 2027.