Aurora, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 37/100 (2026)
10 ZIP codes · 13 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Aurora's water safety record falls below average in IL — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How Aurora Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Aurora, IL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Aurora.
Aurora Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 70 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0206 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $3,080 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.45.
Water Systems Serving Aurora
Throughout Aurora, IL, water comes from one of 3 primary utilities out of 13 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 10 ZIP codes in Aurora, Illinois (population ~187,044), covering 13 community water systems serving approximately 525,742 people region-wide.
10 of 10 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Aurora: F (37/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Aurora water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0206 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 10 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 7 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atrazine | Organic | 22 | 10 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 22 | 10 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 22 | 10 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 11 | 10 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60502 | F | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60503 | D | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60504 | D | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60505 | F | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60506 | F | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60507 | D | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60568 | F | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60569 | D | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60572 | F | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
| 60598 | D | 7 | 0 | Aurora |
All ZIP Codes in Aurora
- 60502 [F] — 7 violations
- 60503 [D] — 7 violations
- 60504 [D] — 7 violations
- 60505 [F] — 7 violations
- 60506 [F] — 7 violations
- 60507 [D] — 7 violations
- 60568 [F] — 7 violations
- 60569 [D] — 7 violations
- 60572 [F] — 7 violations
- 60598 [D] — 7 violations
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Aurora
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Aurora
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Aurora: Remediation Cost in Perspective
How does remediation fit within the broader financial picture for Aurora homeowners? The equity share is moderate — large enough that treating it as a real planning consideration makes sense, and manageable enough that most homeowners have a clear path to addressing documented water and safety issues when they approach the commitment with deliberate advance budgeting rather than as an unplanned expense.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Aurora. The estimated $2,040–$4,180 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 48% above the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Aurora
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>10 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Aurora
The NFIP claim record for Aurora — 299 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 50% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Aurora has a moderate flood history with 299 FEMA claims averaging $6,821 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,080</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Aurora
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Atrazine can reduce the most common contaminant found in Aurora's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Aurora, IL