We need your help! The Village of Wilmette is compiling an inventory of each water service line and its material, as a part of the Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act. This information is invaluable for planning water system upgrades, ensuring water quality, and addressing potential concerns with lead or galvanized steel water service lines. Your participation in the Village’s Service Line Inventory Survey is a simple yet impactful way to actively contribute to the betterment of our water services.
In addition to the inventory, Wilmette is required to develop a comprehensive plan to replace those service lines. In accordance with the law, the Village of Wilmette will submit a draft lead service line replacement plan to IEPA in 2024, and a final plan in 2027.
Current Inventory
The Village of Wilmette has created an interactive map including service line material on the public and private side so that residents can be aware of where lead service lines are in the community. Information on your water service line material is based on a variety of methods the Village is currently using to aid in their inventory process., including use of construction and permit data, review of past capital projects, residents self reporting and field verifications.
Click on the map below to review the Village’s current inventory of water service lines throughout the community including your address. The inventory results will be used to develop a long-term plan to address existing lead service lines.
Wilmette Lead Service Inventory Public Dashboard (arcgis.com)
If your property’s water service line is still shown as unknown, please help us by either contacting the Village to schedule an in-home inspection or by self-reporting your water service line through the Village’s Water Service Line Survey. You can contact the Engineering and Public Works Department at 847-853-7500 or pubworks@wilmette.com.
For more information on how to locate your water service line and identify the material it is made out of, please see our information on Water Service Line Identification.
In-Home Inspection Process
With the deadline for compliance fast approaching, the Village is entering the second phase of the water service line inventory which is to conduct in-person home visits. The Village’s field data collectors will go door-to-door to assist residents with determining their water service line material.
All data collectors will have Village ID and will ask you to complete the survey on your doorstep if you know the water line material. If you do not know the material used for your water service line, the data collectors are trained to identify the material. They will ask permission to enter your home to look at the area immediately surrounding the water meter. This area is typically in the basement near your water heater. If the water meter is hidden behind a wall, in a crawlspace or behind other materials, the field data collector will not be able to complete the identification and will leave a tag asking for your help in identifying the material.
If you are not home, a door tag will be left directing you to the web site using a QR code or web link to the survey.
If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering and Public Works Department at 847-853-7500 or pubworks@wilmette.com.
Water Service Line Identification
You can identify the material of your water service line material typically by visually inspecting where the water service line enters your property (usually a basement, crawl space, or water closet and typically where you find your water meter ). In the event of a galvanized steel or lead water service line, you may need to perform a simple magnet or scratch test on the visible portion of the pipe where it enters your home. Water service material types and inspection methods are described below.
- Scratch Test – For this you will need a flathead screwdriver
- Magnet Test – For this you will need a refrigerator magnet or coin
You can also take and submit a photo of your water service line and the Village will help identify your service line material.