Lines of Contamination
Chicago has more lead service lines than any other city in the United States — more than 400,000 by current estimates — and replacing them could take the city 50 years. In the meantime, generations of residents risk toxic exposure in their homes, schools, and workplaces. This multipart investigative series, co-published by Grist, Inside Climate News, and WBEZ, examines the scope and stakes of Chicago’s lead pipe crisis.
In This Series
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![Two reporters listen to a man speaking in his home. One holds a microphone.]()
![Two reporters listen to a man speaking in his home. One holds a microphone.]()
How we mapped Chicago’s lead pipe problem and what we learned
Here’s what we found, how to know if you’re at risk, and how to replicate our work.
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![a choropleth map of Chicago showing various shades of red indicating lead service pipe density by neighborhood]()
![a choropleth map of Chicago showing various shades of red indicating lead service pipe density by neighborhood]()
Chicago has the most lead pipes in the nation. We mapped them all.
Here's what the data reveals about who's most at risk.
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![a hand grips a lead testing kit]()
![a hand grips a lead testing kit]()
Lead pipes are everywhere in Chicago. Here’s how to protect yourself.
How to test your water, get free filters, and find other help.
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![a woman in her 70s filters water at a kitchen sink]()
![a woman in her 70s filters water at a kitchen sink]()
Chicago was supposed to warn residents about toxic lead pipes last year. Most still have no idea.
Eight months past a federal deadline, more than 90 percent of at-risk Chicagoans haven’t been told their drinking water could be unsafe.
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![People dig a trench to replace lead pipes in front of a house]()
![People dig a trench to replace lead pipes in front of a house]()
Chicago residents risk daily lead exposure from toxic pipes. Replacing them will take decades.
The city with the most lead service lines in the country doesn’t plan to finish replacing them until 2076.
