North Aurora, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across North Aurora, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by IL EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How North Aurora Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
North Aurora Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.018 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 32% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.61.
Water Systems Serving North Aurora
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in North Aurora, IL — out of 4 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in North Aurora, Illinois (population ~18,691), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 238,691 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in North Aurora — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for North Aurora: D (40/100)
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
North Aurora water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0180 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60542 | D | North Aurora | 18,350 |
All ZIP Codes in North Aurora
- 60542 [D]
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 North 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
How Old Is North Aurora's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Reading the housing data for North Aurora, with a median build year of 1992, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in North Aurora were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
North Aurora: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In North Aurora, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in North Aurora are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 76% above the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in North 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.
Wherever 32% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in North Aurora — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds 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 North Aurora
Flood history in North Aurora spans 16 NFIP claims and 100% flood zone coverage — enough to place it in moderate-exposure territory where flood events are genuinely recurring rather than statistical outliers. That distinction matters for water quality assessment because the connection between flooding and water safety is not uniform across communities. In low-exposure areas, flooding rarely generates the conditions needed to compromise treatment or distribution infrastructure. In high-exposure areas, it can do so repeatedly. Moderate-exposure communities sit in between: flood events occur with enough frequency to make periodic infrastructure stress a reasonable concern, particularly for private well owners and residents in lower-elevation FEMA-designated zones.
North Aurora has a moderate flood history with 16 FEMA claims averaging $3,698 per payout. 100% 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>$2,400</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 North 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 32% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 North Aurora, IL