FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:

July 2025 Angie Smith (630) 466-6700

The Village of Carpentersville recently accepted three awards for its Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The three awards are the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Illinois Engineering Excellence Honor Award, ACEC of Illinois Judge’s Choice Award in the Water Resources category, and an ACEC National Recognition Award. This project, constructed by Joel Kennedy Construction Corp., was designed and managed by Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI).

In 2020, the Village of Carpentersville set out on an ambitious mission: to remove all lead water services from its community, 400 in total, at zero cost to its residents. With full completion in just over four years, this project highlights the power of community collaboration and a shared commitment to public health.

Planning and community outreach began in Winter 2021 with resident notifications, public meetings, resident surveys, and in-home assessments. In June 2023, the Village of Carpentersville received $4 million of principal forgiveness funding through the IEPA’s Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP).

Construction began on October 2, 2023, with minimally invasive horizontal directional drilling used to replace the services. Although it was anticipated as a multi-phased project, both the Village and EEI continued to be proactive and collect the remaining replacement consent forms. As a result of hard work and determination, all outstanding lead water service lines were successfully replaced in Phase A. The project was completed ahead of schedule and below budget at no cost to the residents.

The community can now proudly say they are lead service line-free, having removed all 400 lead services. The Village’s commitment was driven by its continued focus on maintaining its residents' physical and financial well-being. Through careful planning, public outreach, and financial stewardship, this project serves as a testament to how municipalities can tackle significant challenges with creativity and care, building a safer and healthier future for their residents.