Lead Testing

Residential Water Testing Kit

The City of Elgin is now offering free testing to residents who live in single family residential homes built before 1988 and who are concerned that the water in their home contains lead. 

As a reminder, lead is not present in Elgin's source water, nor is lead in Elgin's treated drinking water. Some homes and buildings built before 1988, however, have water service lines, solder, or fixtures made of lead, and lead can enter the drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials. 

Test Kits

There are a limited number of free residential water testing kits available. Residents that do not receive a kit initially will be placed in a queue to receive a kit as they become available again. Both property owners and renters are eligible to request a kit. A valid residential address is required.

Click here to request a test kit

Once a request is approved, the City will drop off an at home testing kit with instructions and a prescheduled pick-up date. A test kit consists of three bottles, a bag, and instructions. The three bottles must be filled at specific time intervals. Follow the instructions included in the kit for collecting water samples, put the bottles in the bag and place it in a location (such as the entryway or front door) for pickup by Elgin Water Department staff on your scheduled pickup date. You will be notified of the test results within 2 weeks of your sample’s completed analysis.

It is also important to note that water (which includes showers, toilets, and all faucets) cannot be used for at least six hours prior to filling up the bottles. 

The City of Elgin is dedicated to providing water that is clean and safe for you to use. If you have any questions at all please dial 311 (847-931-6001 if outside Elgin) for the Elgin 311 Contact Center, open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.