February 4, 2026

Rep. Marcus C. Evans Jr. Introduces Legislation to Protect Families from Lead in Drinking Water

Today, State Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr. introduced the Lead-Safe Water for Families Act, legislation designed to protect children, pregnant women, and families across Illinois from lead exposure in drinking water by providing free, certified lead-reducing water filters to eligible households.

Illinois has more lead service lines than any state in the nation, with more than one million pipes that can contaminate drinking water.

Protect Kids from Lead has long advocated for immediate protections for families at risk, including the use of certified lead-reducing water filters, while long-term replacement is underway. This legislation reflects these priorities by establishing a statewide program through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to distribute point-of-use water filters at no cost to Medicaid-eligible households with children or expectant mothers, with replacement cartridges provided for at least two years.

In response to the bill’s introduction, Protect Kids from Lead Executive Director Wendi Wilkes released the following statement:

“Families shouldn’t have to wait years for pipe replacement to protect their children from lead. Representative Evans’ legislation advances a proven, practical solution that provides immediate protection for children, pregnant women, and families while long-term infrastructure work continues. We applaud his leadership and commitment to safeguarding children’s health.”