Sampling Shows Elevated Lead Levels In Some Northbrook Homes: Village

NORTHBROOK, IL — Utilizing a new sampling method prescribed by both the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Village of Northbrook recently conducted testing of 60 water samples for lead and found elevated levels in drinking water in some homes. The water samples were collected between January and June, specifically from properties known to have lead service lines, and analyzed them for lead levels in a certified laboratory.

According to the testing, seven of the 60 samples exceeded the action level for lead. Officials said residents should receive or may have already received these results. They said the results are specific to a home and may be different from the results taken in other locations.

The Village sources its water directly from Lake Michigan and the source water has not been found to contain lead. If found in a home's or business’s water, officials said the likely source of lead is from lead service lines serving the property or internal plumbing/older plumbing fixtures. Homes serviced by non-lead service line need not take action.

As lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children, the Village said it is taking the following actions:

• The Village has completed a survey of properties in Northbrook and found that approximately 290 of the roughly 12,500 water customers have a lead service line in whole or in part. The results of the Village’s survey are available here: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1dbdb00ae7474d25a9c14342064f9462.
• Actively replacing the Village-owned portion of lead service lines as part of road construction, resurfacing projects, or emergency water break repairs affecting lead service lines.
• Implemented a 50/50 cost-share lead service line replacement program that meets legislation requirements. Details and the Service Line inventory are at https://www.northbrook.il.us/1118/Lead-Service-Line-Replacement.
• Requires full replacement of all lead lines on properties undergoing substantial remodeling or demolition.
• Provide residents with the locations sampled and follow up with additional public education to all customers by Sept. 14.

To learn more about what the Village is doing, and what residents can do to protect themselves, find more information here.