Welch, IEPA Announce Funding to Replace Lead Pipes, Protect Drinking Local Water

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – More than $2.3 million in state funding will help Forest Park replace lead pipelines and protect the safety of local drinking water thanks to the work of House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). 

“Lead service lines are a very real example of how historic inequities—even when buried—can poison our future,” Welch said. “Every person deserves access to safe drinking water. That’s why I’m so proud to help move Illinois forward by upgrading this most crucial infrastructure and building a cleaner, brighter future for our communities.”

Welch and IEPA announced this week that the village will receive $2,309,465 to replace lead service lines, the small pipes that carry drinking water from water mains into homes. Many homes built before 1990 are connected to lead service lines, which can result in water contamination when corrosion occurs in pipes and other fixtures. Replacing these old service lines will help to reduce lead exposure for residents.

As Speaker, Welch has prioritized fiscally and socially responsible budgets that make smart investments in health and safety, especially in historically underserved communities. Welch secured more than $300 million for lead line replacement statewide and safe drinking water initiatives in this year’s state budget.

For resources on lead in your home, visit: https://epa.illinois.gov/general-information/in-your-home/resources-on-lead.html.