Elevated lead levels in water at 15 properties in University Park lead to 'do not consume' warning

Some residents in eastern Will County were warned Friday not to drink their tap water due to elevated lead levels.

The precautionary “do not consume” water advisory was issued to Aqua customers in University Park, Green Garden and Monee townships.

Aqua issued a statement informing that elevated lead levels were found in some test sample results in the area.

Residents should not make ice cubes, cook or brush their teeth with the water, the company said, but bathing would be OK.

The company said it would be delivering bottled water to customers this weekend.

Company technicians were in the area Saturday flushing hydrants as part of their treatment protocol and informed residents that they may notice water discoloration, which will be OK.

The company said it is working to identify areas that are not affected by the lead contamination.

“We have been working closely with the community since receiving lead testing results, which detected elevated lead levels in 15 properties in University Park,” Aqua Illinois president Craig Blanchette said in a statement. “Through testing results, Aqua Illinois has confirmed that not all homes are impacted. … We thank the impacted communities for their patience and are committed to resolving this as soon as possible.”

Officials are asking residents to call 877-987-2782 to request bottled water and for more information.

Frank Vaisvilas is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.