Illinois American Water issues notice after high lead levels in drinking water
While legally, a notice to the entire community was required as more than 10% of the samples exceeded safe lead levels, the company said this does not indicate a community-wide issue, and that they are in contact with those who may be affected.
Illinois American, along with other water companies, are required by state and federal law to test water from different homes and businesses for lead and copper, mostly focusing on areas with existing lead service lines, the company said.
The 14 sites that tested high had more than 15 parts per billion, which is above the action level, the water company said, adding 'for context, one part per billion is roughly the equivalent of one drop of liquid in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.'
An attempted to reach an Illinois American spokeswoman for clarification was not immediately successful.
They said that no water coming from their treatment plants has any lead, but water can get in the water from several factors, including lead service lines serving older homes, lead solder in plumbing, and some faucets made before 2014.
The following are steps the company is taking in response to the results:
Water Sampling and Monitoring: Conducting additional lead and/or water quality monitoring to determine the extent of the situation as well as any site-specific concerns. Customers interested in sampling should make a request by sending an email to Leadfreeil@amwater.com.
Corrosion Control: Completing an assessment of the company's current corrosion control treatment used to determine if changes are recommended.
Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement: Illinois American Water has a lead service line replacement program in place that will replace any known lead service lines over the course of the next several years. Since 2020, Illinois American Water has replaced almost 2,500 lead service lines in the Peoria District and plans to replace approximately 930 more by the end of the year. Customers can identify and report the material of their water service line on our online map. For more information on service line identification, replacement, and our inventory map, visit: www.illinoisamwater.com/leadfacts.
There are also many steps customers can take to reduce the chance of their exposure.
Flush your taps. Lead levels increase over time as water sits in lead-containing plumbing materials and regular water usage in the building can reduce lead levels in drinking water. If the water in your faucet has gone unused for more than six hours, flush the tap with cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes before drinking or using it to cook. If your service line is lead, you may need to flush the water for three to five minutes. To conserve water, catch the running water and use it to water your plants.
Use cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water has the potential to contain more lead than cold water. If hot water is needed for cooking or baby formula, heat cold water on the stove or in the microwave. NOTE
Routinely remove and clean all faucet aerators.
Check to see if your interior plumbing or faucets contain lead and replace any that do. Look for the 'Lead Free' label when replacing or installing plumbing fixtures.
Follow manufacturer's instructions for replacing water filters in household appliances, such as refrigerators and ice makers, as well as home water treatment units and pitchers. Look for NSF 53 certified filters.
Flush after plumbing changes. Changes to your service line, meter, or interior plumbing may result in sediment, possibly containing lead, in your water supply. Removethe aerator from each faucet and run the water forthree to five minutes.
Use alternative source of water, such as bottled water, if part of an at-risk population, such as pregnant persons, infants, and young children.
According to the company, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says risks of exposure to high levels of lead include lower IQ and attention spans for infants and children, an increase in existing learning and behavior problems, and adverse health side effects for children of women exposed to lead during pregnancy.
A copy of the release can be found on the Illinois American Water website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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