This resolution addresses the public health crisis caused by lead service lines in Chicago's drinking water system, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on minority and low-income communities. It acknowledges the moral and civic obligation of the City of Chicago to replace these lead lines with safer alternatives. The resolution notes that while the City Council has authorized lead service line replacement programs, financial constraints limit the city's ability to implement a comprehensive replacement program. It also references the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) passed by Congress, which allocates significant federal funds for water infrastructure and lead service line replacement, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

The resolution expresses concern that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (ILEPA) has allocated none of the $107 million received in Fiscal Year 2023 to Chicago, despite the city having the highest number of lead service lines in the state. It calls for a fairer distribution of federal BIL funds to Chicago, reflecting the city's large proportion of lead service lines needing replacement. The resolution urges Governor Pritzker, the ILEPA, and Illinois General Assembly members representing Chicago to support a more equitable allocation of funds. It also requests ILEPA officials to testify before a joint meeting of the Chicago City Council's committees on the state's efforts to address lead service line removal and funding decisions. The resolution is supported by Alderman Gilbert Villegas and Alderwoman Maria Hadden.