Chicago Drinking Water News Roundup

Chicago has more lead service lines than any other city in the country—an estimated 400,000 pipes that allow lead to get in drinking water. Safe Water Engineering has been working to help residents understand the risks and the new requirements aimed at protecting public health and moving toward replacement.

Updated August 28, 2025 with the latest articles:

Where are Chicago’s lead pipes? WBEZ, Grist, Inside Climate News

Chicago was supposed to warn residents about toxic lead pipes. It’s barely started. Chicago Sun Times, WBEZ, Grist, and Inside Climate News

Chicago’s Plan to Replace Lead Pipes Puts It 30 Years Behind the Federal Deadline. Chicago Sun Times, WBEZ, Grist, and Inside Climate News

Lead in the drinking water is still a problem in the U.S. — especially in Chicago. NPR

Nearly 130,000 children exposed to lead-tainted drinking water in Chicago. The Guardian

Revealed: the ‘shocking’ levels of toxic lead in Chicago tap water. The Guardian