We believe all children should have access to safe drinking water. Unfortunately, Cook County communities have some of the highest numbers of lead service lines in the country.

LeadCare Cook County supports a safe and healthy learning environment for children by offering free lead service line replacement to child care providers in suburban Cook County.

LeadCare Cook County is addressing historic disinvestment and inequities that have impacted the health and well-being of our residents and children.

Child care provider playing with children

Partners

LeadCare Cook County is administered by Elevate Energy (Elevate) in partnership with Cook County Government. We cover the cost for a licensed plumber to replace the lead service line connected to your child care facility through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Elevate has partnered with Illinois child care providers to reduce lead in drinking water since 2017. A nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Elevate seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities.

LeadCare Cook County is one of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development's initiatives making transformational investments that foster an equitable recovery from the pandemic. 

For more information about Cook County Government's initiatives for children, visit Project Rainbow.

Eligibility

LeadCare Cook County is available to licensed and licensed-exempt child care providers in suburban Cook County.

I’m ready to create a healthier environment for children