MACOMB, Ill. (KHQA) — The City of Macomb conducted an investigation last summer to determine the cause of the aging lead pipelines in the city.

The reason for the investigation is a regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency that requires a remediation plan by 2027.

Last summer, the city worked with students from Western Illinois University to go door to door and check who had lead water pipes in their homes.

Now the data is there.

According to information the city received, there were nearly 700 confirmed lead water pipes in the city and nearly twice as many suspected or unconfirmed pipes.

Macomb Mayor Mike Inman says that with the data in hand, they are now ready to take the next step in the process.

“Our goal is to use this data to apply for grants – whether state or federal – to help us help property owners replace their lead service lines.”

Water pipes containing lead can be harmful to people, especially small children.

According to the EPA, symptoms of lead exposure in children can include behavioral and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems and anemia.

The safety of all residents is the city’s top priority, a statement said.

“What we put into the system is essentially lead-free,” Inman said. What we don’t have control over and don’t currently have control over is the service line that connects our main line to an individual residence. Again, we are well on our way to developing a plan to help those people who need that help.”

Replacing the pipes will not be particularly cost-effective.

The city estimates that each line replaced costs just under $10,000.

That is why the city has already started applying for grants.

“We relied heavily on the Community Development Block Grants, which are awarded by the state and federal governments for underground water and sewer infrastructure. It was through this program that we were able to afford to replace so many water mains throughout the city,” Inman said.

The city hopes to have a final replacement action plan in place by the end of the year.