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June 19, 2025 – The City of Decatur is encouraging Decatur citizens with older homes and buildings (built before 1945) to check the City’s water line material map and schedule a free inspection of their water service line.
In an effort to remove all sources of lead in customer’s drinking water, the City developed a map showing what material they suspect the water service line is made of. If your address shows a red dot, it could be a galvanized water service line that might be a source of lead. Red dots and property owners with structures built before 1945 are encouraged to schedule a free inspection so City staff can confirm the material.
The inspection should take less than 30 minutes. Visit the City’s Water Service Line Inspection webpage HERE or call Water Services at 217-875-5705 for more information and to schedule a free inspection.
Residential customers can take advantage of the City’s cost-sharing program and receive 50 percent of the cost of replacement, up to $3,000 in assistance. For commercial customers, the cost-sharing program is 50 percent, up to $5,000 in assistance. The City is working to identify more financial assistance to help residents with replacement.
Every galvanized water service line will eventually be replaced as part of a long-term program. Illinois State Law requires that the long-term replacement program start in 2027 and be completed in 10 years, although Decatur is on track to complete this sooner.
