Bartlett announces elevated lead levels found in some homes’ drinking water

The village of Bartlett announced Friday that during routine testing, elevated lead levels had been identified in the drinking water of some homes and buildings.

Officials already have notified all affected residents and provided them with pitcher filters.

In accordance with EPA regulations, the village has sent out a notice of lead exceedance to all Bartlett utility customers.

While Bartlett’s source water, Lake Michigan, contains no detectable amounts of lead, the metal can enter drinking water through the corrosion of household plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have those types of plumbing materials.

Bartlett currently has only 12 remaining lead service lines and will eliminate them by the end of 2026.

To read more about what the village is doing to address this issue or for steps to reduce lead in your home’s drinking water, visit bartlettil.gov/government/public-works/water-division or call Bartlett Public Works with any questions at (630) 837-0811.

epeterson@dailyherald.com