MT. VERNON – The City of Mt. Vernon is asking all its water customers who have not yet completed and returned a cross-connection survey to do so as soon as possible.

According to City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel, every year the city sends all water customers a cross-connection survey and the response rate is “dismal” with fewer than 10 percent of surveys being returned on first request.

This year’s survey is more important, however, as the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requires every water account with lead pipes be identified.

This is a mandate of the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to identify all services that contain lead.  

The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes and brass or bronze faucets and fixtures. The state of Illinois has prioritized the location and removal of lead services lines to reduce lead exposure.  

The IEPA expects a final report on the matter by April of next year. Failure to have all water services accounted for could result in disconnections until questions are answered.

Bechtel says if you’re unsure of how to answer your survey, you can contact the Public Works Department at 618-242-6850 for assistance.