# Call for hearing(s) to assess status of lead service line replacement efforts

- Record number: **R2026-0025265**
- Type: Resolution; category: Committee/Public Hearings
- Status: In Committee
- Sponsor: [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (36th Ward)
- Committee: [Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/environmental-protection-and-energy)
- Submitted Date: May 13, 2026
- Introduction Date: May 20, 2026
- Official record: [Office of the City Clerk](https://chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov/Matter/?matterId=4CBB87B0-F84E-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18)

## Impact report

> Written by AI from [the official document](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/matterattachmentspublic/4906dd80-2aa8-4eb7-8f98-1abd385403b4.pdf). AI can make mistakes; the official document always wins.

This resolution calls for a quick City Council committee hearing to review how slowly Chicago is replacing lead water pipes and how the City plans to meet federal deadlines.

**Who it affects**

- **Children under six and pregnant women**: The resolution names them as the people most at risk from lead in drinking water, which the hearing aims to address.
- **Residents in homes connected by lead service lines**: The hearing would look at how fast the more than 400,000 lead pipes connecting homes to water mains will be replaced.
- **Department of Water Management leaders**: The Commissioner and other leaders would have to appear at the hearing and explain the replacement timeline, barriers, and proposed solutions.
- **Chicago taxpayers**: The resolution asks for solutions that speed up pipe replacement while being responsible to taxpayers.
- **Most vulnerable communities**: The resolution mentions plans that would send resources to these communities first.

**What changes**

- The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy would hold an expedited hearing on lead pipe replacement.
- Water Management leaders would have to report on current and projected replacement timelines.
- The City would be asked to explain barriers to speeding up pipe replacement and how it will meet federal deadlines of 15,000 lines by 2027 and 19,000 more by 2028.
- The City Council expects the Department of Water Management to present a concrete plan to protect residents from lead exposure.
- Ideas like federal and state funding, public-private partnerships, and faster purchasing processes would be discussed.

**Where**: 36th Ward

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/matter/4CBB87B0-F84E-F111-BEC6-001DD8033B18 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt