Across Illinois, communities are taking decisive steps to address lead in drinking water by identifying and replacing aging water service lines. Public water suppliers are required to publish annual water quality reports, often called Consumer Confidence Reports, and to maintain inventories of water service line materials. Under state and federal requirements, municipalities must also develop long-term replacement plans where lead or galvanized service lines are present.

In the Chicago area, this has produced a growing mix of municipal programs, including full no-cost replacements, reimbursement programs, cost-share initiatives, public inventory maps, and resident survey campaigns. Below is an overview of how several local communities are responding, along with direct links to official municipal resources.

Why Lead Service Line Replacement Matters

Lead service lines are underground pipes that connect a home or building to the water main. Lead exposure has no safe level and can be especially harmful to children and pregnant women. While many communities use corrosion control treatment to reduce the risk of lead leaching into water, the most effective long-term solution is removing lead service lines entirely.

Residents can reduce possible exposure by using NSF-certified filters, flushing taps after periods of non-use, using cold water for drinking and cooking, and requesting water testing where available.

Illinois Law and Public Health Guidance

Illinois’ Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, also known as Public Act 102-0613, requires community water supplies to continue inventorying lead service lines, notify owners and occupants, and develop replacement plans. The Illinois Department of Public Health also cautions that partial lead service line replacements can temporarily increase lead levels and are generally prohibited except in limited circumstances.

Read IDPH’s lead service line overview for more detail.

Federal Update: USEPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

On October 8, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, often referred to as the LCRI. These federal rules generally require community water systems to identify and replace lead service lines within 10 years. The rule was published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2024, and the main LCRI compliance date is November 1, 2027; most systems must then complete replacement of their lead service lines by November 1, 2037. Some large cities, including Chicago, may qualify for deferred deadlines.

Learn more on the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements page.

The Illinois Municipal League has also published a fact sheet (PDF) discussing how the federal LCRI rules may supersede Illinois’ existing statutory program once effective.

Chicago-Area Lead Service Line Programs & Resources

Programs vary widely by community. Some municipalities offer full replacements, others provide cost-sharing or reimbursements, and some currently focus on inventorying and resident education. Use the table below to find your municipality’s official program page.

Chicago’s Lead Service Line Inventory Map and Free Testing

The City of Chicago estimates there are approximately 400,000 lead service lines in the city. To improve transparency, the Chicago Department of Water Management provides a public service line inventory map where residents can check whether their service line may be lead and submit verification results to help improve accuracy.

Chicago officials note that the city’s drinking water meets national and state standards, due in part to corrosion control treatment, and that residents with concerns can request free water testing. You can check your address on Chicago’s lead service line inventory map.

Palatine’s Cost-Sharing Program for Homeowners

The Village of Palatine recently posted details about its Lead and Galvanized Steel Water Service Line Replacement Cost Sharing Program, administered by Public Works. The program is voluntary and open to residential properties with qualifying service lines, but pre-approval is required before beginning work.

Under the program, Palatine reimburses homeowners 100% of the cost to replace the service line from the water main to the shut-off valve, also known as the b-box, and 75% of the cost from the shut-off valve to the indoor meter. The maximum reimbursement is $11,000, plus permit fees. Learn more on the Village of Palatine’s website.

Deerfield Launches Voluntary Lead Service Line Replacement Program

The Village of Deerfield has approved a new voluntary Lead Service Line Replacement Program to help homeowners replace lead water service lines and reduce potential exposure. The program provides financial assistance for eligible residential properties on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited funding and a limited number of program spots available.

The program is intended for the voluntary replacement of lead water service lines serving residential properties. It does not cover replacements required for repairs, remodeling, new construction, or other mandated improvements. Under Village ordinance, Deerfield maintains the portion of the water service line from the water main to the parkway or sidewalk, while the homeowner is responsible for the portion running from the parkway or sidewalk area into the home.

As part of the replacement process, older outside meter pits, where present, will be removed and meters relocated inside the home. Residents can review program requirements, application materials, property look-up tools, and related documents on Deerfield’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program page.

Highland Park Updates Lead Service Line Replacement Efforts

The City of Highland Park reports that it remains in compliance with state and federal regulations governing lead and copper in public drinking water. Highland Park notes that lead in drinking water is primarily associated with service lines and home plumbing materials, not with the treated public water supply itself.

Highland Park has also updated residents on its lead service line replacement work. The City has developed a Lead Service Line Replacement Program Policy to assist homeowners and discussed an updated policy as recently as its May 27, 2025 City Council Committee of the Whole meeting.

The City has announced a lead service line replacement project expected to take place over the next two to three years. The majority of the project is expected to be financed through the Public Water Supply Loan Program under the Illinois State Revolving Fund, administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The project will replace lead and galvanized water pipes from the water main to the b-box or meter pit, as well as private-side portions where applicable through the City’s cost-share program.

Highland Park residents are encouraged to review their private service line information through the City’s GIS Lead Service Line Map and to submit corrections if information appears inaccurate. For lead testing or water quality questions, residents may contact the Water Plant at 847.433.4355 or email waterplant@cityhpil.com. Learn more on the City of Highland Park’s lead information page.

State Funding Notes: Inventory Grants vs. Replacement Costs

The Illinois EPA offers grant opportunities that help communities complete required lead service line inventories. These inventory grants are intended for identifying and documenting service line materials and do not cover replacement costs. Learn more on the Illinois EPA’s lead service line inventory grant page.

Local and State Context: Waukegan Example

In 2023, the Illinois EPA announced funding headed to Waukegan to help identify service lines that may contain lead, as part of broader statewide inventory efforts and compliance with Illinois law. Waukegan also maintains an ongoing public dashboard for its lead service line inventory and replacement efforts.

Read the announcement in Senator Adriane Johnson’s release, and view Waukegan’s public lead service line portal.

Closing

At LocalSuburbs.com, our goal is to make local government programs, public health information, and community updates easier to understand and easier to access. Infrastructure issues like lead service line replacement can feel overwhelming, but the details matter, and knowing where to find accurate, local information is the first step. We will continue tracking municipal programs, regulatory changes, and funding opportunities across the suburbs—and updating our coverage—so residents have reliable, timely information about the communities they call home.

From suburban rinks to international runways of ice and snow, the Chicago-area pipeline shows up in a big way in winter sport. In total, eight athletes with Illinois hometown ties connect back to our coverage area across four sports: ice hockey, Paralympic sled hockey, speedskating, and ski jumping.

Here’s the local roster at a glance: Brody Roybal (Northlake) and Josh Misiewicz (La Grange) in sled hockey; Kevin Bickner (Wauconda) in ski jumping; Ethan Cepuran (Glen Ellyn) and Sarah Warren (Willowbrook) in speedskating; and Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights), Tessa Janecke (Warren), and Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park) in ice hockey.

Note: Ages are calculated as of Feb. 6, 2026 using publicly listed birthdates.

Local Athletes at a Glance

Ice Hockey: Suburban Rinks, World-Class Results

Chicago’s hockey footprint isn’t theoretical anymore, it’s measurable. Three athletes on this local list trace their roots back to Illinois communities where early mornings meant cold rinks, heavy gear, and the kind of repetition that turns into elite edgework.

Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights) stands as one of the most recognizable Illinois-linked names in the sport, with a game built on pace, control, and veteran calm. Source

Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park) carries that same Illinois grind upward, a forward whose rise tracks directly through the Chicagoland hockey ecosystem. Source

Tessa Janecke (Warren) represents the next wave: a new-generation Illinois hockey product whose story fits the region’s growing reputation for developing top-end talent. Source

Speedskating: Illinois on the Fast Track

Two of the fastest skaters connected to our coverage area come from suburbs that don’t have mountains, but do have relentless work ethic and strong training culture.

Ethan Cepuran (Glen Ellyn) is a long-track speedskater with deep local ties, including hometown and early skating connections to the area. Source

Sarah Warren (Willowbrook) adds another Illinois hometown thread to the speedskating story, reinforcing how frequently this region shows up in high-level skating pipelines. Source

Ski Jumping: Wauconda’s Flight Path

Ski jumping looks like pure physics and bravery (and it kind of is), and Kevin Bickner (Wauconda) is the Illinois connection in the air. His hometown ties put a local stamp on one of the most visually dramatic events in winter sport. Source

Paralympic Sled Hockey: Local Grit, Elite Level

Two athletes on this list connect Illinois directly to Paralympic sled hockey, a sport defined by speed, contact, and razor-sharp teamwork.

Brody Roybal (Northlake) is one of the most recognizable names in U.S. sled hockey, with Illinois roots that keep him squarely in the local story. Source

Josh Misiewicz (La Grange) adds another hometown anchor point for the suburbs, pairing Illinois origins with a career built on resilience and high-performance competition. Source

These athletes share more than Olympic credentials. They share a foundation built in Illinois communities that supported their early development through park district rinks, suburban arenas, school programs, and regional clubs.

For local readers, these Olympians are not distant figures. They are products of familiar villages, shared facilities, and neighborhoods that helped shape their paths to the world’s biggest winter stage.

Why This Matters Locally

What ties these athletes together is not just Olympic participation, but a shared foundation in Illinois communities that supported their early development. From park district rinks and suburban ice arenas to high-school programs and regional clubs, the Chicago area continues to produce athletes capable of reaching the sport’s highest level.

For local readers, these Olympians aren’t distant names. They’re products of familiar villages, shared facilities, and neighborhoods that helped shape their careers.

At localsuburbs.com, our mission is to spotlight the stories that start right here at home. From youth sports programs and park district rinks to athletes reaching the world’s biggest stages, we strive to bring meaningful, community-centered news to our subscribers and followers. By highlighting the people, places, and achievements rooted in our local suburbs, we help connect readers to the stories that shape where they live.

On January 12, 2026, Lake County has taken another significant step in long-range sustainability planning with the approval of its Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan, a comprehensive 10-year framework designed to strengthen, expand, and connect the countywide tree canopy.

The plan establishes a shared vision for a healthier and more resilient urban forest, guiding not only Lake County government operations but also supporting collaboration among municipalities, park districts, nonprofit partners, and residents. Tree canopy coverage currently varies widely across the county—from approximately 9 percent in some communities to more than 60 percent in others—highlighting both the progress already made and the opportunity ahead.

A Strategic Investment in Health and Sustainability

The Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan advances two priorities within Lake County’s broader Strategic Plan: Healthy and Inclusive Communities and A Sustainable Environment. Today, the county’s urban forest includes more than 8 million trees, delivering measurable environmental and quality-of-life benefits.

Countywide, Lake County’s urban forest:

• Removes more than 5.7 million pounds of air pollutants annually
• Absorbs over 130,000 metric tons of carbon
• Reduces stormwater runoff by more than 1 billion gallons each year

The plan identifies over 85,000 acres where increased tree canopy coverage could further:

• Reduce flooding through enhanced stormwater capture
• Improve air quality and support physical and mental health
• Lower urban heat impacts
• Provide wildlife habitat
• Reduce household energy use and utility costs
• Decrease greenhouse gas emissions

Building Resilience for the Future

In addition to canopy expansion, the plan emphasizes resilience. More than half of Lake County’s trees and shrubs are non-native or invasive species, creating vulnerabilities to pests, disease, and climate stress. The strategy prioritizes evaluation, diversification, and long-term stewardship to ensure the urban forest can withstand both existing and emerging challenges.

By aligning policy, education, and on-the-ground action, the county aims to cultivate shared knowledge and sustained care—ensuring the benefits of a thriving urban forest extend to future generations.

Local Municipal Forestry Policies and Programs in Lake County

Lake County’s Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan is designed to support municipalities with established tree preservation ordinances while also encouraging best practices in communities without formal regulations. This countywide framework creates consistency, elevates environmental outcomes, and helps close policy gaps through education, incentives, and shared standards.

Some communities rely on ordinances to protect existing canopy, while others emphasize voluntary tree planting and cost-share programs to grow their urban forest. Both approaches align with the county’s long-term forestry goals.

Lake County Municipal Tree Programs (Alphabetical)

What Is Tree City USA?

Tree City USA is an annual national recognition program administered by the Arbor Day Foundation. The program is designed to raise awareness of the value of community trees, establish foundational forestry standards for communities of all sizes, and celebrate long-term community improvement.

Since 1976, Tree City USA has recognized communities ranging from small towns to major metropolitan areas. National recognition helps municipalities demonstrate and promote their commitment to maintaining a greener, healthier place to live.

Learn more about the Tree City USA program here: https://www.arborday.org/our-work/tree-city-usa

A Coordinated Path Forward

Together, Lake County’s Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan, municipal ordinances, voluntary planting programs, and national frameworks like Tree City USA form a layered approach to environmental stewardship. This coordinated model ensures that whether a community protects trees through regulation or promotes planting through incentives, every municipality has a role in building a healthier, more resilient Lake County canopy.

LocalSuburbs.com will continue tracking how Lake County’s Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan is implemented, including how individual municipalities align existing ordinances, expand tree planting programs, and develop new policies to strengthen and preserve local tree canopies.

The Lake County Board has approved two major transportation improvement projects scheduled for construction in 2026, targeting enhanced roadway safety and expanded bike and pedestrian connectivity in Antioch and Gurnee.

The projects—one focused on non-motorized travel and the other on intersection safety—are part of Lake County’s broader effort to modernize its transportation network and improve mobility for residents, commuters, and visitors.

New Roundabout Planned for Deep Lake Road in Antioch

A second approved project will bring a single-lane roundabout to the intersection of Deep Lake Road and Depot Street in Antioch. The roundabout follows recent resurfacing work along Deep Lake Road from Illinois Route 132 to Illinois Route 173 and represents the next phase of a multi-year corridor modernization.

Construction will require a full closure of the intersection for approximately 100 days to safely complete the work. A second roundabout along Deep Lake Road at North Avenue is already planned for construction in 2027.

According to national safety data cited by Lake County, roundabouts reduce fatal and injury crashes by an average of 82 percent while improving traffic flow by keeping vehicles moving at slower, more consistent speeds. Lake County currently maintains 11 roundabouts throughout its transportation system.

Washington Street Bike Paths and Sidewalks in Gurnee

In the Gurnee area, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will construct new bike paths and sidewalks along Washington Street, closing long-standing gaps in the county’s path network. Planned improvements include:

• Bike path on the south side of Washington Street from Mainsail Drive to US 45
• Bike path on the north side from US 45 to Almond Road
• Sidewalk on the north side from Sextant Drive to Mainsail Drive
• Sidewalk on the south side from Tangueray Drive to Almond Road

When combined with the Hunt Club Road and Washington Street intersection project currently under construction, the upgrades will complete a continuous 9.5-mile multi-use path connecting the Des Plaines River Trail to downtown Round Lake at Cedar Lake Road.

County officials say the project strengthens non-motorized travel by linking neighborhoods with schools, shopping centers, businesses, transit stations, and major regional trails. Once the Cedar Lake Road Realignment is completed, the path will also connect directly to the Lake County Forest Preserve’s Millennium Trail.

Busy 2026 Construction Season Ahead

Both the Gurnee path improvements and the Antioch roundabout will be included in LCDOT’s 2026 annual construction program, which will feature additional roadway and trail projects across the county. More details are expected when the full program is released later this spring.

Residents can follow current and future transportation improvements through LCDOT’s Five-Year Transportation Improvement Program.

SOURCE

Lake County Website

SPRINGFIELD / CHICAGO SUBURBS — A slate of new Illinois laws takes effect on January 1, 2026, with changes that touch everyday life—from what you pay at the grocery store to how employers use artificial intelligence, plus new requirements tied to roadway safety, firearm storage, and school mental-health resources.

Below is a practical breakdown of some of the most notable changes, with verification links to official guidance and primary-source bill materials where available.

1) Illinois Ends the Statewide 1% Grocery Tax (But Local Taxes May Replace It)

Starting January 1, Illinois will eliminate the state’s 1% grocery tax on qualifying food purchases. The change is confirmed in Illinois Department of Revenue guidance, including reporting instructions for retailers.

• What this means for shoppers: many receipts should reflect a lower state tax on groceries starting January 1, but your total bill may not drop if your city or county has enacted a replacement local grocery tax.
• What this means for municipalities: Illinois law also authorizes local governments to adopt a local grocery tax by ordinance (a key reason impacts will vary suburb-to-suburb).

Sources:
Illinois Department of Revenue: Grocery Tax Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2026 |
Illinois Department of Revenue: Municipal/County Grocery Tax Bulletin (local option) |
Public Act 103-0781 (PDF)

2) New AI Rules in Employment: Disclosure + Anti-Discrimination Guardrails

Illinois is tightening requirements around artificial intelligence in employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination—aimed at preventing discrimination and increasing transparency. Beginning January 1, 2026, employers are expected to provide notice when AI is used to influence employment decisions, and AI tools may not be used in ways that result in unlawful discrimination.

• What job seekers should know: you may start seeing notices that an employer uses AI to screen or evaluate candidates.
• What employers should know: Illinois has been developing implementation details via rules and guidance connected to these changes.

Sources:
Foley & Lardner overview of HB 3773 (effective Jan. 1, 2026) |
Ogletree: Draft notice rules and compliance direction

Is the AI employment law “first of its kind” in Illinois?

No. It’s a major milestone for employment practices, but Illinois already has other AI-related laws in effect or taking effect that regulate AI use in sensitive settings:

• AI “therapy” restrictions: Illinois enacted the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources framework (often discussed as limits on AI providing therapy/psychotherapy services without licensed professionals).
  IDFPR announcement |
  ILGA bill status (HB 1806)
• AI in the classroom (community colleges): community colleges will be barred from using AI bots to teach classes in place of human faculty, with statewide guidance work continuing for K–12 settings.
  Capitol News Illinois summary of the education/AI changes

3) Public Safety: “Move Over” (Scott’s Law) Expansion

Illinois is expanding roadway protections tied to the state’s “Move Over” requirements (often discussed under Scott’s Law). Drivers should expect broader scenarios where moving over and/or slowing down is required when approaching emergency or service activity on roadways.

• What drivers should do: continue treating flashing lights and roadside responders as a cue to move over and slow down whenever it’s safe—this is the core safety expectation emphasized by state authorities.

Sources:
Illinois State Police: Move Over law overview |
WQAD reporting on the 2026 expansion

4) Firearm Storage: “Safe Gun Storage Act” Requirements

Beginning January 1, Illinois law strengthens safe storage requirements. In general terms, firearms must be secured—such as in a locked container—under circumstances where minors, at-risk persons, or prohibited persons could gain access. Violations can carry significant penalties.

• What gun owners should do now: review storage expectations and ensure your storage method meets “locked/inaccessible” standards as described in the statute.
• Also noted in 2026 reporting: Illinois is tightening timelines around reporting lost or stolen firearms (as covered by multiple Illinois news outlets).

Sources:
Illinois General Assembly: Safe Gun Storage Act (SB 8) bill status |
Capitol News Illinois: 2026 gun storage changes and related updates |
CBS Chicago: overview of key 2026 Illinois law changes

5) Schools: Suicide Prevention Resources Printed on Staff IDs

Illinois is also requiring schools to include key crisis and suicide-prevention resources on employee identification cards, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other support options referenced by state leaders. The aim is to ensure faster access to help resources for students and staff.

Sources:
Sen. Doris Turner press release on staff ID mental-health resources |
Sen. Christopher Belt press release on the same measure

6) Workforce: Unemployment Pilot for Certain Mental-Health-Related Job Separations

Illinois is launching a pilot-style change connected to unemployment benefits that, as reported, may allow certain workers who leave a job due to a psychiatrist-certified mental health disability to qualify for unemployment benefits under defined conditions.

• What to watch: eligibility details will matter (certification requirements, documentation, timelines, and program parameters). Residents considering this option should follow official program guidance as it becomes available.

Sources:
25 News Now reporting on the mental-health unemployment pilot |
Illinois General Assembly: HB 3200 bill status

What This Means for the Chicago Suburbs

For many suburban households, the most immediate change will likely be the grocery tax shift—especially because local governments may adopt replacement grocery taxes that preserve revenue but reduce (or eliminate) savings at the checkout line. Meanwhile, AI rules in employment and new public safety requirements will likely show up more gradually through employer notices, school ID updates, and public awareness campaigns.

Localsuburbs.com will continue tracking how individual municipalities implement the grocery tax change and how state agencies roll out guidance for the new AI and workforce-related provisions.

Have you seen your suburb pass (or discuss) a local grocery tax ordinance? Send us a tip and we’ll add it to our community coverage.

When we talk about Black Friday, it’s not just about one type of store. It’s about supporting the local brick-and-mortar retailers that keep our suburban shopping areas vibrant. The term “brick-and-mortar” literally refers to physical storefronts, and by choosing to shop locally—whether it’s a beloved boutique or a well-known chain store in your town—you help keep our communities strong.

Over the past few years, from the pandemic era to now, we’ve seen Black Friday in-store sales recover while Cyber Monday online spending continues to grow. According to the National Retail Federation and Adobe Analytics, Black Friday foot traffic rose about 12% compared to peak pandemic years, while Cyber Monday online spending has grown roughly 8% year over year.

Now, let’s highlight some local spots. Here are a few Chicago-area malls you’ll want to check out this holiday season:

This holiday season, whether you’re visiting local malls or big-box stores, remember that LocalSuburbs.com is here to connect you with everything happening across Chicago’s suburbs. By shopping local, you’re not just finding great deals—you’re supporting the businesses that make our communities strong.

As the holiday season arrives, communities throughout the Chicago suburbs are lighting up their parks, plazas, and downtowns with festive ceremonies, parades, cocoa crawls, and winter celebrations. These local traditions bring together families, neighbors, and visitors to kick off the season with music, lights, and community spirit. Below is a full municipal roll call of upcoming and recent tree-lighting events gathered from official community calendars. For additional listings, updates, and ongoing celebrations, visit our complete events directory at LocalSuburbs.com/local-events.

Holiday & Tree Lighting Events (Full Municipal Table)

Conclusion

This holiday season, the Chicago suburbs are glowing with festive celebrations that bring neighbors together and highlight the spirit of each community. From intimate neighborhood tree lightings to large-scale winter festivals, these events showcase the charm and unity that define suburban life. For even more events, updates, and newly added celebrations throughout the season, visit our full regional events hub at LocalSuburbs.com/local-events.

LocalSuburbs.com is your source for local business listings, classifieds, community news, and Chicago suburban happenings. As a printed magazine, online directory, and digital community platform, our mission is to keep residents informed, connected, and engaged.