Kane County Reporter

The City of Aurora’s Water Production Division is increasing public education efforts following the recent Lead Action Level Exceedance Notice issued on July 14. The notice reported that elevated levels of lead were found in drinking water samples from certain homes in Aurora.

City officials clarified that the water leaving the Aurora Water Treatment plant contains no lead and meets all state and federal standards. The presence of lead was detected in some homes due to new Illinois EPA testing requirements, which now include sampling both the first and fifth liters of water drawn from residential faucets. This method can result in higher detected levels because the fifth liter spends more time within older service lines, potentially picking up more lead particles.

"The City of Aurora is committed to protecting the health and well-being of every household in the community through proper testing, treatment, and supply of water," according to a statement from city officials.

To address these concerns, Aurora has outlined several steps:

- Ongoing tap water sampling at selected homes and buildings.

- Providing residents with information on how to reduce their exposure to lead.

- Evaluating options for improved corrosion control treatments at its facilities.

- Implementing new corrosion control measures once approved by regulators.

Aurora has also been replacing old lead and galvanized service lines as part of its mitigation strategy. Since 2018, 2,690 such lines have been replaced across the city. More replacements are planned for upcoming years.

Residents interested in checking or replacing their service line can use an interactive map provided by the city at https://yourvoice.aurora.il.us/leadnotice. The site allows customers to verify what materials their service line is made from and see if any connectors contain unknown materials.

The city will replace affected service lines at no cost when work occurs due to maintenance or infrastructure projects or if tests show high lead concentrations. In other situations, homeowners may choose to pay for replacement from inside their property out to the curb stop; after this step is completed within 30 days, Aurora will provide a filtration device and schedule free replacement from curb stop to main line.

Starting in 2026, Aurora plans to expand its replacement program further by adding opportunities throughout the city each year so that three percent of all system lines are replaced annually.

For additional details about these programs or for assistance, residents can contact waterlines@aurora.il.us.