Introduction to the Issue
Elevated lead levels have been found in the drinking water of some homes in suburban Aurora. Between January 2025 and June 2025, the city of Aurora’s Water Production Division collected 100 samples and analyzed them for lead with more than 10 percent of the samples collected exceeding the EPA’s action level for lead, the city of Aurora said in a press release Monday.
!
The Cause and Effects of Lead in Water
The city is continuing to test tap water of designated homes and buildings and ongoing lead service line removals throughout Aurora, the press release stated. The city of Elgin also reported elevated levels of lead in drinking water of some homes and buildings. The source of the lead is likely lead service lines leading from the city’s municipal water pipes to homes, the city of Elgin stated in a press release. No lead was found in Elgin’s source or drinking water.
Testing and Removal Efforts
In the first half of 2025, 48 of 100 Elgin homes were found to have lead-in-water levels above 15 parts per billion, which is above the EPA’s action level, the city said. The results from the drinking water monitoring represent homes and buildings built or plumbed before 1988, which are most at risk for lead in water. Lead can enter the drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials. Elgin is removing almost 1,000 lead service lines annually costing about $15,000 per household or business, according to the city. So far this year, 350 lead service lines have been removed.
Progress and Support
In total, Elgin has more than 24,000 lead free lines with almost 8,900 lead lines remaining, according to the city’s website. Elgin is also offering free testing and water filters to residents living in homes built in 1988 or earlier and partnering with local health departments to protect the public from exposure to lead through testing, education and outreach.
Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure
Exposure to lead in drinking water can put all age groups at risk of serious health issues. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span and adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems, the city said. Impacted residents are encouraged to use their filter properly, use cold water, leave water running, have water tested and learn about construction in their area.
Conclusion
The discovery of elevated lead levels in the drinking water of some Aurora and Elgin homes is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action. The cities’ efforts to test and remove lead service lines, as well as provide support to affected residents, are crucial steps in protecting public health. It is essential for residents to take proactive measures to minimize their exposure to lead in drinking water and to stay informed about the ongoing efforts to address this issue.
FAQs
- Q: What are the health risks associated with lead exposure in drinking water?
A: Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health issues, including decreases in IQ and attention span in infants and children, and increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems in adults. - Q: What is being done to address the issue of lead in drinking water in Aurora and Elgin?
A: The cities are conducting tests, removing lead service lines, and providing free testing and water filters to affected residents. - Q: How can residents minimize their exposure to lead in drinking water?
A: Residents can use their filter properly, use cold water, leave water running, have water tested, and learn about construction in their area. - Q: Who is most at risk for lead in water?
A: Homes and buildings built or plumbed before 1988 are most at risk for lead in water. - Q: How many lead service lines are being removed annually in Elgin?
A: Almost 1,000 lead service lines are being removed annually in Elgin, costing about $15,000 per household or business.
