Question 1

Why don’t my property taxes cover the replacement of the private portion of my water service line?

Accepted Answer

Your tax dollars contribute to funding the replacement of the portion located on the public side. However, the maintenance and repair of the service line beyond the meter pit or b-box have always been the responsibility of the homeowner. Therefore, the property owner is responsible for covering the cost of replacement on the private side.

Question 2

What does the $5,000 homeowner responsibility fee cover?

Accepted Answer

The $5,000 fee covers the replacement of the private side of the water service line into the home, including relocating the meter inside the residence and potentially upgrading the shutoff valves. Additionally, the fee includes repairs to the foundation wall or floor, landscape restoration, and any necessary concrete or asphalt patching on the exterior of the property.

Question 3

Why is the cost for service line replacement set at $5,000 regardless of length of service?

Accepted Answer

A set fee of $5,000 was determined, which is less than half of the cost to replace the entire service. An average replacement cost was determined based on the average cost to replace the entire service line and the homeowner side. The City receives more competitive rates due to the volume of work within the project and is passing those savings along to residents. Property owners are encouraged to obtain individual cost estimates to pursue private replacements to aid in their decision to participate in the project.

Question 4

Is this project funded by the state or federal government?

Accepted Answer

This project is funded through a combination of federal and state resources. The federal government allocates funding to the states, which then distribute funds to approved cities. Highland Park has received a loan through this program to pay for the replacements as part of this program.

Question 5

What is the City doing to procure funds for future lead service line replacements projects?

Accepted Answer

The City, in collaboration with Robinson Engineering, is preparing the necessary documentation for submission to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to secure funding for future projects. The submission is scheduled to be completed next month.

Question 6

Is there going to be similar funding for a sanitary sewer replacement program?

Accepted Answer

The City currently offers a Sanitary Cost Share Program, which allows residents to submit paid invoices for eligible sanitary improvements. Participants are reimbursed 20% of the total cost, up to a maximum of $1,260. The City is considering an increase in the reimbursement amount for future years. Comprehensive details about the program are available on the City's official website.

GET THE LEAD OUT IL

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t my property taxes cover the replacement of the private portion of my water service line?

What does the $5,000 homeowner responsibility fee cover?

Why is the cost for service line replacement set at $5,000 regardless of length of service?

Is this project funded by the state or federal government?

What is the City doing to procure funds for future lead service line replacements projects?

Is there going to be similar funding for a sanitary sewer replacement program?

GET THE LEAD OUT IL

© 2026 Robinson Engineering, Ltd. // All Rights Reserved

GET THE LEAD OUT IL

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t my property taxes cover the replacement of the private portion of my water service line?

What does the $5,000 homeowner responsibility fee cover?

Why is the cost for service line replacement set at $5,000 regardless of length of service?

Is this project funded by the state or federal government?

What is the City doing to procure funds for future lead service line replacements projects?

Is there going to be similar funding for a sanitary sewer replacement program?

GET THE LEAD OUT IL © 2026 Robinson Engineering, Ltd. // All Rights Reserved

GET THE LEAD OUT IL

© 2026 Robinson Engineering, Ltd. // All Rights Reserved