Decatur begins testing and removing lead pipes

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Starting in 2027, cities and towns throughout Illinois will have 20 years to identify and replace all lead water pipes, but Decatur has already started the process.

"The Illinois state law gives us 20 years to get rid of all of them. We have to start in 2027, but we want to do as much as we can now. We want to make the water as safe as possible for everyone concerned," Robert Weil, Assistant Engineer for the Decatur Water Utility, said. "That's our goal."

Any water line that has, or has had, lead will have to be replaced. In Decatur, most properties built after 1940 should not have a problem.

"The water service line delivers the water from the water main to the building. And it got started in Decatur because there used to be — before 1940 — a piece of lead that was used right here to connect the water service line to the water main," Weil explained.

Homeowners and business owners will have to foot a portion of the bill. In return, the city is offering a cost-sharing program.

"The resident is responsible for the area from the property line into the house. That's their responsibility. The city is responsible from the property line out to the water main," Weil said.

The property owner will need to get two quotes from plumbers and the city will pay half the cost, maxing out at $3,000.

For commercial properties, the city will pay up to $5,000.

To check your eligibility for the cost-sharing program, call the Water Service Division at 217-875-5705.

For more information visit https://decaturil.gov/water-line-replacement/