An open house and community meeting has been planned for Springfield residents in Wards 2 and 3 to learn about CWLP's upcoming lead water service line replacement work in those areas. The meeting is set for Thursday, December 12 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Salvation Army located at 1600 E. Clear Lake Avenue.
Beginning in March 2025, CWLP will begin a two-year project to replace lead service lines in 400 homes in Census Tracts 16 and 23 within Wards 2 and 3, where CWLP has identified a high density of lead service lines. This phase of lead service line replacement work is made possible by a $2.9 million Federal funding provided through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP) State Revolving Fund (SRF), which prioritizes replacements in low income areas. This funding will cover the cost of replacement of the portion of lead water service lines that are customer-owned and CWLP operations and maintenance funds are covering the cost of replacing the utility-owned portion.
Any residents of Wards 2 or 3, which can’t attend the meeting, may sign up to be on the contact list for the program here
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWGQ9P8 or call 217-789-2116 ext. 2632.
Drinking Water & Lead
CWLP reduces risks of corrosion occurring in plumbing systems by adding lime during the water treatment process, which raises the pH of the finished drinking water. The use of lime and the higher pH of the water limits the risk of metals, such as lead, from leaching into drinking water from lead service lines and plumbing fixtures containing lead or copper.
In situations where water is left standing for extended periods in plumbing systems and service lines where lead or copper pipe or solder exists, contamination into drinking water is a possibility. There are safeguards you can take to protect against this risk.
About Lead Service Lines
Service lines are the lines that run from the water main near the street to the property. The portion of the line from the curb stop to the home or building is customer-owned and the portion from the curb stop or meter to the water main is owned by the utility. If a home or building was constructed prior to 1930 in Springfield, it may have a lead service line. Other material types for water service lines include copper, polyethylene and galvanized.
Lead service lines in Springfield were installed to properties constructed prior to 1930.
