About

Cook County TAP is available to municipalities located in suburban Cook County. Our online resource hub is available to the public, including water utilities and non-profit organizations in suburban Cook County focused on reducing lead in water.  

Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state. When a lead service line is present, it can be the most significant contributor of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead can have detrimental health consequences for your residents, especially children. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can damage a child’s developing brain and nervous system, contributing to lower IQs, hearing loss, and learning and behavior problems in and out of the classroom. Replacing the lead service lines in your community accelerates clean drinking water and supports a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Water affordability is a growing challenge. In northeastern Illinois, the average water rate has increased by almost 80% over the last decade. Increasing water costs mean that for many people in Cook County, monthly water bills are unaffordable and can lead to water debt. Cook County TAP helps municipalities identify ways to make water more affordable to residents.  

Developing lead service line replacement programs and water affordability initiatives can be complex. Cook County TAP makes it a bit easier! Effective in 2022, municipalities are required to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive water service line material inventory and prepare a comprehensive lead service line replacement plan. With changes to the federal Lead and Copper Rule on the horizon, Cook County TAP will help you comply with these requirements and provide support in notifying residents who are connected to a lead service line.   

Identifying ways to help residents struggling with water costs can be a challenge. From customer assistance programs and payment plans to rate studies and water loss control projects – there are many ways to improve water affordability. Cook County TAP provides resources to help municipalities identify the why behind bill payment issues and implement ways to both increase revenue collection and better serve the needs of their most vulnerable residents. 

Cook County TAP makes it easier to navigate it all! We provide information on funding opportunities, guidance on how to prepare and submit applications, educational materials, and training to support your efforts to develop these programs for your community. 

Cook County TAP puts helpful resources in the hands of Cook County municipalities to aid in lead service line replacement and water affordability initiatives.

Cook County TAP does not provide direct funding for lead service line replacement programs. However, we do make it easier by providing resources and guidance for your municipality to secure the funding that you need. We provide up-to-date information on available federal, state, and county funding opportunities and share clear steps on how to prepare and submit a funding application. We also provide a list of other technical assistance resources that can help you apply for funding, such as assistance with developing and submitting project proposals.