Chicago Construction News staff writer
Illinois EPA director John J. Kim today has announced $4 million for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects in Aurora.
“We are encouraged to see more and more Illinois communities taking action to inventory and remove lead service lines, and our State Revolving Fund program is aiding communities by providing these forgivable loans,” said Kim.
“Illinois is believed to have the largest number of lead service lines in the nation. The Illinois EPA is taking this significant undertaking head on by working closely with communities on their projects to remove this threat from drinking water throughout the State.”
The city replaces up to 100 lead service lines per year as needed based on water leaks or construction requirements. The Illinois EPA’s financial assistance will fund the replacement of approximately 600 lead service lines.
Service lines are small pipes that carry drinking water from water mains into homes. Many older homes still have lead service lines. Household plumbing fixtures and faucets made prior to 1986 may also contain lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time that can enter drinking water when corrosion of pipes and/or fixtures occurs. Eliminating lead service lines in homes will help to reduce lead exposure for residents.
LSLR principal forgiveness is available up to a maximum amount of $4 million per fiscal year for 2022 and 2023 for any one loan recipient.
