LeadCare Cook County Reaches Major Milestone: 300 Lead Service Lines Replaced for Child Care Providers
Free program has helped protect thousands of children from lead in drinking water;
enrollment remains open through July 31
COOK COUNTY, IL - LeadCare Cook County has reached a major milestone with the completion of its 300th lead service line replacement since the program’s launch in 2023. The program offers lead inspections and lead service line replacements to licensed and license-exempt child care providers in suburban Cook County at no cost to the provider.
LeadCare Cook County has also been recognized nationally for its impact. The Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative honored the program with its award for Cross-Sector Collaboration to Enhance Lead Service Line Replacement, highlighting the strong partnership between Elevate, Cook County Government and local child care providers.
The program, administered by Elevate in partnership with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is part of a $14 million investment aimed at driving an equitable recovery and promoting public and environmental health, especially in historically disinvested communities. The no-cost service line inspections and replacements are done on a first-come, first-served basis while program funds are available through July 31.
“Completing 300 lead service line replacements is more than a milestone, it’s a lasting investment in our environment and the health of our children,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Every child deserves access to safe, clean drinking water, regardless of their ZIP code. Through this program, thousands of children are already benefiting from healthier learning environments, and child care providers across suburban Cook County will have safer, more reliable water for decades to come.”
Lead exposure poses serious risks to human health, especially for children under the age of six, whose developing brains and nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Even low levels of lead exposure in early childhood can affect learning, behavior, attention and long-term development. Lead service lines are often the most significant source of lead in drinking water, yet the high cost of replacement has historically made it inaccessible for many child care providers.
“There is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and when present, a lead service line can be the most significant source of lead at the tap,” said Dr. Anne Evens, CEO of Elevate. “Reaching 300 replacements means 300 places where children can drink, wash and learn with greater peace of mind. As this program comes to a close, we want to ensure that as many child care providers as possible take advantage of this opportunity before it’s gone.”
LeadCare Cook County was created to remove the financial and logistical barriers that often prevent child care facilities from addressing lead risks in drinking water. With no hidden fees and minimal disruption to daily operations, the program inspects service lines for lead or galvanized materials. If those materials are found, the line is replaced with a copper service line, a process that can typically cost a provider up to $20,000.
“Don’t hesitate to apply, it’s true," said Fransy Rodriguez, a program participant and child care provider. “It’s good. And the safety for us, who are the providers for the children - it’s the best thing you can do.”
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.
Child care providers can learn more and apply to the program by July 31, 2026 at leadcarecookcounty.org or by calling 773-389-5657. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.
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About LeadCare Cook County
LeadCare Cook County supports a safe and healthy learning environment for children by offering free lead service line replacement to child care providers in suburban Cook County. The program is administered by Elevate Energy (Elevate) in partnership with Cook County Government. Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.
About Elevate
Elevate is a nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate designs and implements programs to ensure that everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities — no matter who they are or where they live.