The City of Highwood found elevate levels of lead in drinking water of some homes / buildings. Lead is not present in the City of Highwood’s water source, or in the City’s treated drinking water. However, some buildings and homes have water service lines, solder, or fixtures made with lead. Lead can enter the drinking water through corrosion of these plumbing materials and fixtures.
Lead is a common metal and was used in plumbing fixtures until 1986. As such, lead exposure is common in drinking water. The City of Highwood’s Water Filtration Plant uses Lake Michigan as its sole water source. The City of Highwood does not have any lead in its source water or lead water mains in the street.
Lead enters drinking water when the water makes contact with lead-based pipes, service lines, or plumbing fixtures for several hours. Homes built before 1988 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.
The EPA estimates that up to 20 percent of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water. The City of Highwood completed a lead service line inventory to comply with IEPA requirements available on the City’s website here. Water customers are encouraged to review the City’s inventory and conduct lead testing in their homes.
If you have a lead service line or would like to volunteer for the City’s lead and copper monitoring testing program at no cost, please contact the city at 847- 432-1924.