LeadCare Cook County Celebrates 200 Lead Service Lines Replaced at Child Care Facilities Across Suburban Cook County

COOK COUNTY, IL — LeadCare Cook County recently reached a major public health milestone with the replacement of its 200th lead service line at a child care facility in suburban Cook County.  

Administered by Elevate in partnership with Cook County Government and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the program is making child care environments safer and healthier for children and the professionals who care for them.  

“It is imperative that everyone in Cook County—especially our children—has access to safe, healthy drinking water,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I’m proud that this program has now replaced 200 lead service lines, and we look forward to assisting more child care facilities in suburban communities to ensure they have the safest conditions possible. I’m grateful to Elevate for this tremendous partnership.” 

Lead exposure poses serious risks to human health, especially for children under age 6, whose developing brains and nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Lead service lines are often the most significant source of lead in drinking water, yet the high cost of replacement makes it inaccessible for many child care providers. 

“Replacing lead service lines at child care facilities is one of the most effective and important ways to protect children’s health and foster stronger communities,” said Dr. Anne Evens, CEO of Elevate. “We’re proud to partner with Cook County on this vital effort. Every child needs safe, clean drinking water no matter where they live.”  

By replacing 200 lead service lines since the summer of 2023, LeadCare Cook County has benefitted more than 2,500 children and eased a major financial and health burden for families and child care providers. 

LeadCare Cook County replaced the lead service line at child care provider Barbara Nelson’s home in Dolton in 2024.  

"LeadCare Cook County is an amazing program, and I'm happy that my lead service line was replaced for free,” Nelson said. “I encourage child care providers to sign up to access safer water. It feels really good to know that I did something to make sure that the kids are no longer exposed to lead in their drinking water.”   

LeadCare Cook County offers free lead inspections and lead service line replacements to both licensed and license-exempt child care providers in Cook County suburbs. The initiative is part of a $15 million investment led by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, aimed at driving an equitable pandemic recovery and promoting public and environmental health, especially in historically disadvantaged communities. 

“Participating in the lead service line replacement program in suburban Cook County has been a meaningful opportunity for our team. Our crews take great pride in knowing that the work we’re doing is directly improving the County’s water infrastructure and helping protect the health of children,” said Shane Keenan, of Keenan Sewer and Water. “Reaching the milestone of 200 lead lines replaced is a testament to what collaboration and shared commitment can achieve. This initiative has allowed us to be part of a lasting, positive change in the communities we serve.”  

Cook County partnered with Elevate on this initiative due to the organization’s deep experience supporting child care providers across Illinois and its longstanding commitment to clean water. 

LeadCare Cook County is also supported by Cook County’s Project Rainbow initiative, which aims to inform, inspire and impact children, students and families across the County. For more information on all Project Rainbow initiatives, please visit projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov.    

LeadCare Cook County will remain open through the summer of 2026. 

Child care providers can learn more and apply to the program at leadcarecookcounty.org or by calling 773-389-5657. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.