La Grange will now cover the village’s portion of lead service line replacements during emergencies, a shift that could save homeowners hundreds of dollars.
The Village Board approved the policy May 11. It applies to emergency repairs only — not routine or planned replacements.
Under the old policy, homeowners paid the full cost, including the main-to-buffalo-box connection, which ranges from $500 to $2,000 depending on line depth and length. The new policy covers that section when a homeowner requests emergency replacement.
“This covers emergency lead service line repairs,” Mayor Mark Kuchler said.
Homeowners can use the village’s contractor or hire their own for the line from the buffalo box to the house, he added.
The EPA recommends replacing lead lines because of health risks to young children and pregnant women.
The village has not defined what qualifies as an emergency or how many residents might be affected. Residents with lead service lines should contact the village to determine eligibility.