Carpentersville homeowners could face fines for lead service lines

Carpentersville homeowners who have not had their lead service lines replaced could soon face surcharges on their water bills if they don’t comply.

A $4 million grant has helped the village replace more than 400 lead service lines, at no cost to homeowners, since 2022. Only eight homes remain in the town that have not had lead lines replaced.

“We really want to complete this project,” Village President John Skillman said.

Trustees on Tuesday tabled a measure that would add a $200 surcharge to the bimonthly water bills of homeowners who have not complied with the lead service line replacement project. Some said the fees were too low given that the village could wind up paying up to $6,000 a year to test water from homes that have not had the lead pipes replaced.

“I just think the fines should be higher … especially if it’s costing the village of Carpentersville $5,000 to $6,000 a year,” Trustee Jeff Frost said.

In addition to the surcharge, the village would have the option to shut off water to residences that are not in compliance. Village Manager John O’Sullivan said water shut-off is an option Carpentersville would “truly rather not use.”

He added the village has enlisted the help of the police department’s social workers to visit homeowners to discuss the project. He noted those visits have already shown some success.

“We had 12 homes a week ago,” O’Sullivan said of the residences still needing line replacement. “Now it’s down to eight.”

Village board members on June 18 will review a revised ordinance that increases surcharge fees.