The village of Maywood, Illinois, a historic community with deep roots dating back to the 19th century, is dealing with an all-too-common problem: removing and replacing lead pipes.
Maywood, a town known for its resilience and strong sense of community, has a rich history. Founded in 1881 and named after the late daughter of Colonel William T. Nichols, the town has grown from its origins along the Des Plaines River into a thriving community.
Now, in 2024, Maywood is joining approximately 200 other communities nationwide in taking decisive steps to ensure safe drinking water for its residents.
Lead contamination in drinking water poses significant health risks, especially for children, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure. Consuming lead-contaminated water can cause irreversible damage to brain development, slow growth, and contribute to a range of serious health problems. The U.S. faces a massive challenge, as many communities, particularly in underserved areas, struggle with outdated infrastructure that includes lead pipes.
Millions of lead service lines remain in the United States, endangering public health. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has set aside a historic $15 billion to replace lead pipes nationwide, with $241 million allocated to Illinois alone this year. Despite these investments, many towns like Maywood face challenges accessing the federal funds and technical assistance necessary to execute lead pipe replacement plans.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an estimated 9.2 million homes in the U.S. are connected to lead service lines. Replacing these lines can cost up to $10,000 per home, making it an immense financial burden for many communities. The EPA's initiative and federal funding aim to relieve that burden and accelerate the process.
Maywood's involvement in the "Get the Lead Out Initiative" is a testament to the town's commitment to its residents’ well-being. Mayor Nathaniel George Booker voiced his support for the collaboration, highlighting clean drinking water's impact on overall health. “Water is vital to our health,” Mayor Booker emphasized. “It plays a key role in many of our body's functions, including bringing nutrients to cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature.” He also acknowledged the village's pressing $100 million issue in addressing its aging water infrastructure.
The EPA's partnership with Maywood will involve identifying and replacing lead service lines and increasing community outreach and education on the importance of lead-free water. By leveraging federal funding and technical assistance, Maywood will move closer to achieving its goal of replacing 100% of its lead pipes.
Maywood is part of a broader national effort to ensure all Americans, regardless of where they live, have access to safe drinking water. Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth both expressed strong support for the EPA’s initiative and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s provisions.
“Access to clean, safe drinking water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental human right,” said Senator Durbin. Senator Duckworth added, “Making sure all families have access to clean water is important to me. It’s why I pushed to ensure my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act and historic levels of funding for lead service line replacement were included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
These efforts are particularly significant for underserved communities like Maywood, which often lack the resources to undertake expensive infrastructure upgrades without federal assistance. Congressman Danny K. Davis also praised the initiative, recognizing its vital role in ensuring the long-term health of Illinois residents.
Maywood’s journey toward safer drinking water is another chapter in the town’s long history of overcoming challenges. The village, originally built along the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, has seen its share of growth and setbacks since its founding. Known for its rich military history, Maywood was home to the 33rd Tank Company, Illinois National Guard, which famously fought in the Bataan Death March during World War II. Today, the town continues to honor its legacy through events such as the annual Bataan Day Parade.
Now, as the village addresses a modern-day public health issue, its leadership and community members remain determined to protect future generations. Local business owner Tori Garron of D&A Candy Corner, YOURS Gameroom, and YOURS Bistro & Café, emphasized the importance of clean water for children, saying, “I have two little lives I am responsible for, and quality drinking water is crucial for children’s health because their smaller bodies are more susceptible to the negative effects of contaminants in water.”
