JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that more than $4 million in funding will be heading to Joliet to replace lead service lines throughout the community.

“Quality water is crucial. With so many older homes across the district it is important for the state to continually replace and check lead service lines so our residents aren’t consuming anything toxic,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I will continue to advocate for water infrastructure investments for our region.”

The funding is provided through the Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund, which provides low-interest loan funding for drinking water, wastewater, and storm water projects.

Joliet will replace approximately 557 lead services lines with copper service lines as well as water meters that contain led. This is the final year of the five-year Lead Service Line Replacement Program for the city. Many homes built prior to 1990 may have lead service lines or lead containing plumbing fixtures or faucets, hence the need for continual replacement.

“Lead service line replacement is a priority in the State of Illinois, and we are committed to assisting our community water supplies with accessing vital funding to remove lead service lines from their drinking water infrastructure,” said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim. “This funding will help the City of Joliet alleviate potential lead exposure within the community stemming from lead service lines.”

Eliminating lead service lines in homes will help to reduce lead exposure for residents. For resources on lead in your home, visit the EPA website.