The Lake Forest City Council approved a measure on Oct. 3 that waives fees for residents who replace lead water pipes that connect their homes to water mains.
Over the summer, the city mailed letters to 300 homes offering to have public works staff inspect water service lines to see if they are made of lead. The homes were identified based on city records. Service lines are the pipes that run from the water main – typically in the middle of the street – to the property owner’s house or business.
Of the 300 homeowners contacted, 100 responded to the letter and had inspections. Out of that, about 75 service lines were found to be lead, said Ald. Catherine Waldeck, who chairs the council’s Public Works Committee.
More Top Picks Hemiplegic Migraine Warning Signs To Know
Lead water pipes were used prior to 1950, said Mike Thomas, public works director. The majority of the 75 houses discovered to have lead water pipes are on the east side of Lake Forest, Thomas said, estimating the cost of replacing service lines at about $10,000 to $12,000. Property owners are responsible for paying for any replacement.
The city will waive the cost of tap fees, inspection fees and a street opening permit for two years. The usual cost of those fees is $600 to $1,400, according to city documents.
In other news, the city council also approved hiring a marketing consultant to undertake a campaign for the city of Lake Forest at a cost of $30,000. The marketing campaign aims to promote the city to potential residents along with students, businesses, shoppers and diners, according to city documents.
The campaign also aims to encourage Lake Forest residents to advocate for the city.
Twitter: @reporterdude