Carpentersville gets state grant to replace 312 lead service lines

Carpentersville is making use of a $4 million state grant to replace old lead service lines.

Trustees on Tuesday approved agreements to replace 312 lead service lines in an area commonly known as Old Town. Line replacement is expected to start at the end of September, Public Works Director Kevin Gray said.

"Clean drinking water is a basic human right, and it's especially important that our children have access to water that is lead-free," state Sen. Cristina Castro said in a news release about the $4 million grant. "Investing in replacing these pipes will keep harmful chemicals out of our water and give Carpentersville families, schools and businesses peace of mind that their water infrastructure is safe, healthy and upgraded."

Old Town, which has 571 homes, is largely east of the Fox River near Carpenter Park and has service lines dating back to 1914.

The village has assessed 457 of the homes and found 318 have lead service lines.

Only 312 of the 318 are included in the upcoming project. The other six will be part of a line replacement project at a later date, Gray said.

Though Carpentersville has sent out multiple letters about the lead service line project, 114 homes must still be assessed, said Gray, adding the village will begin a door-to-door campaign in the fall to help determine if the remaining homes have lead lines.

The village hosted an open house Wednesday for residents who are participating in the program.

Gray said water service should only be interrupted for about four hours for each service line that is replaced. The project should be completed by the end of March 2024.

Residents with questions can contact the village's public works department at (847) 836-2464.