HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 35-R-26, Proposed Private-Side Lead Service Line Replacement Incentive Pilot Program (1) (1)03/23/2026
35-R-26
A RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Establishment of a Private-Side
Lead Service Line Replacement Incentive Pilot Program
WHEREAS, the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires municipalities to develop
an inventory of suspected lead service lines and implement a comprehensive plan to replace those
service lines within a twenty-year period beginning in 2027; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston submitted a draft Lead Service Line Replacement Plan in April 2025
and anticipates replacing approximately five percent of its lead service lines annually, or roughly 500 lead
service lines per year, upon approval by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revised the Lead and Copper Rule in 2021 and
subsequently adopted the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) in 2024, establishing more
stringent requirements for the identification and replacement of lead service lines, including both the
utility-owned and privately owned portions of service lines; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Pollution Control Board adopted the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements on
January 22, 2026, aligning Illinois regulations with the updated federal requirements governing lead
service line replacement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously adopted Resolution 34-R-21 declaring lead service line
replacement throughout the City to be a public benefit and authorizing the City to facilitate and manage
replacement of both the publicly owned and privately owned portions of lead service lines; and
WHEREAS, the Evanston Utilities Commission has recommended the creation of a Private-Side Lead
Service Line Replacement Incentive Pilot Program to encourage voluntary replacement of privately
owned lead service lines where the public portion has already been replaced; and
WHEREAS, incentivizing voluntary private-side lead service line replacement may accelerate the removal
of lead service lines, reduce long-term costs to the City and water utility ratepayers, and support
compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby authorizes the establishment of a Private-Side Lead Service Line
Replacement Incentive Pilot Program under the City of Evanston Water Utility to encourage voluntary
replacement of privately owned lead service lines where the publicly owned portion of the service line has
already been replaced with copper.
SECTION 3. Under the Pilot Program, the City may provide up to fifty (50) incentive grants in the amount
of $2,500 each to eligible homeowners who voluntarily replace the privately owned portion of a lead
service line in accordance with applicable City permitting, inspection, and program requirements.
SECTION 4. The total amount authorized for the Pilot Program shall not exceed $125,000, and funding
for the program shall be provided through the Water Fund, subject to the availability of appropriated
funds.
SECTION 5. The Public Works Agency Director, Water Production Bureau Chief, and other appropriate
City staff are authorized to develop program guidelines, eligibility requirements, application procedures,
and administrative processes necessary to implement and administer the Pilot Program.
SECTION 6. The City Manager, or their designee, is authorized to waive applicable permit fees
associated with qualifying private-side lead service line replacement projects completed under the Pilot
Program and to take all administrative actions necessary to implement the program consistent with this
Resolution.
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SECTION 7. City staff shall monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilot Program and may report
findings and recommendations to the City Council to inform potential future program expansion or
modification.
SECTION 8. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in
the manner provided by law.
______________________________
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
Adopted: _________________, 20__
Approved as to form:
______________________________
Alexandra B. Ruggie, Corporation Counsel
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35-R-26