Lead water pipe replacement in Winnetka

Lead pipes in Winnetka — common questions

Who pays for lead pipe replacement in Winnetka?

Per the Village's March 7, 2024 lead water service notification (stated for the 2024 program year; "continuation of this program in forthcoming years is subject to budget consideration" — confirm current terms with the Water & Electric Office, 847-716-3558): three scenarios. (1) Leaking lead service line: "For 2024, the Village will cover 50% of the replacement cost, up to $5,000, for the replacement of a leaking lead water service line" — intended to assist with contractor costs, permitting fees, water meter replacement, and tapping fees; customers must secure quotes from at least two licensed, bonded plumbers. (2) Water main projects: "As part of the water main capital improvement project, the Village will fund replacement of the lead service line from the water main to the property line," and "the Village will reimburse a customer up to 50% of the cost, not to exceed $5,000, for the replacement of their lead service line from the property line into the house" (includes new water meter and inspection); customers may use the Village's contractor or their own licensed contractor. (3) Voluntary program (2024): "The Village will extend reimbursement up to 50% of the cost, not to exceed $5,000, for the replacement of the lead service line from the water main into the house"; eligible costs include the contractor's installation cost plus Village tapping fee, inspection fee, and new water meter; requires two plumber quotes. However, for 2024 this voluntary program was limited to the first eighty residences on the 2023 waiting list, with others added to a waiting list served only "if additional funding becomes available." Not eligible if the replacement is part of new house construction or a building addition. Note: the Village's current Lead Service Line Replacement page and water FAQ do not describe any reimbursement program — the FAQ states "replacement of the lead water service is the responsibility of the customer" — so these cost-share terms are documented only in the 2024 notification and may no longer be in effect. Homeowner cost: homeowner pays the remainder after the Village's 50% reimbursement capped at $5,000 (private-side replacement in main projects; full line water-main-to-house in the voluntary and leak scenarios, minus the reimbursement). In water main projects the Village fully funds the water-main-to-property-line segment. Customers using the Village's contractor must pay their portion within 30 days of completed installation; payment arrangements can be discussed with the Village. Homeowners refusing replacement must sign a waiver and bear sole responsibility for lead mitigation. Program terms change — confirm current details with the municipality before planning around them.

How do I find out if my Winnetka home has a lead water line?

The Village publishes an address-level service line material inventory (updated annually by April 15 per 415 ILCS 5/17.12), available as "Water Service Data by Address" in the Village website's Document Center; the FAQ also describes self-checking via a scratch test (lead shows bright silver) or confirmation by a certified plumber or the Water & Electric Department.

Does GS Construction replace lead service lines?

Service-line replacement itself is licensed plumbing and excavation work — on GS projects it runs through our Illinois-licensed plumbing and excavation partners, and we handle what comes after: restoring the yard, landscaping edges, and any interior finishes the work touched. If a remodel uncovers a lead line, we flag it and point you at the municipal program before anyone spends your money.

Why do lead lines come up during remodels?

Kitchen and bathroom remodels expose the plumbing where it enters the home, and permit inspections increasingly check service-line material against the municipal inventory Illinois law requires. Finding out mid-project is normal — knowing your village's program before demo day is better.