ROCKFORD –- At least 960 lead municipal water lines will be replaced with $4 million in Illinois Environmental Protection Agency funding, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today.

Service lines are small pipes that carry drinking water from water mains into homes. Many homes built before 1990 have lead service lines, which can corrode over time and release lead into drinking water.

"Lead is a toxin that can accumulate in the body and cause serious illness or even death," Stadelman said. "This funding protects public water supplies and helps Rockford and other cities across the state replace these aging water pipes before IEPA deadlines kick in."

The award is Rockford's fifth from IEPA State Revolving Fund, which provides principal forgiveness loans that don't have to be repaid. Rockford has received $16 million to replace lead service lines since 2019, with $4 million being the program's maximum award amount.

Since 2017, the IEPA has provided $105 million in funding for lead service line replacement statewide. For resources on lead in your home, visit the IEPA website.