Consuming Tap Water Under the Advisory
USEPA recommends a number of steps to reduce lead in drinking water including flushing your water before drinking, cleaning your faucet aerator, and using cold water for drinking and cooking. You can flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. Additionally, if you use a filter, proper installation and maintenance of filters is important to ensure filter effectiveness in reducing lead levels. EPA recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper filter use. Even if water contains lead, because your skin does not absorb it from water, uses such as washing hands, bathing, and washing dishes are still safe for children and adults.
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To learn more visit: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#reducehome
Citizens of University Park can consume your tap water, if you take the following steps first:
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Click below to view the regulatory guidance from the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
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Run your cold tap for 2-3 minutes when water has sat stagnant in internal plumbing, and
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filter cold tap water through faucet or pitcher filters that are certified to remove lead before consuming tap water.
Contact Us:
Customer Service
​877.987.2782
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Get Resources
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Aqua Distribution Center
24650 S. Western Ave.
University Park, IL
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Hours*:
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Monday:
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Wednesday:
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Saturday:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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*Closed on national holidays
Making Progress in Your Community
Our water sampling results show the community’s water quality is improving. We continue to work collaboratively with regulators and the nation’s leading water chemistry experts since discovering elevated lead levels in some University Park homes in June.
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If you remain under the advisory, please continue regularly using your tap water to keep this process moving as quickly as possible.
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As we work together toward a resolution, we remain committed to keeping you informed and doing all we can to be a good community partner. We appreciate your ongoing cooperation and patience.
This video includes progress updates and important information for those who are under the advisory.
Helpful Information
Water Use
Resources
How to Consume
FAQs
Data Updates
Contact
Resident
Resources
Latest Community Update:
September 17, 2020
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If you are under the advisory in University Park, we want to remind you that proper filter use and maintenance are important for ensuring your filter’s effectiveness.
Be sure to follow manufacturers’ instructions for proper use, including only running cold water through your filters. For the faucet filter we provided, start planning to replace the filter once the indicator light flashes yellow. When the indicator light is red, it is time to replace it.
We continue to offer free filters and filter replacements if you are under the advisory. For step-by-step instructions on how to install, use and maintain your filter, and the latest information, please visit WaterFactsIL.com. If you have questions, you can reach us at 877.987.2782.
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Thank you for your continued patience.
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Previous Community Updates:
Get Resources
To receive faucet and pitcher filters, filter replacements, bottled water or one-gallon jugs of water, please visit the Aqua Distribution Center, where a member of our team will load resources directly into your vehicle.
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Address: Aqua Distribution Center
24650 S. Western Ave.
University Park, IL. 60484
Hours*: Monday:
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Wednesday:
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Saturday:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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*Closed on national holidays
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As always, we ask that you bring a State ID or Aqua bill as proof of residence.
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Click the link below for COVID-19 Updates.
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Call the Aqua Customer Service Center at 877.987.2782 to:
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Coordinate home deliveries if you are homebound or physically unable to pick up resources at the distribution center. Be sure to call by Friday each week to receive a home delivery the next week. Home water deliveries will take place on Tuesdays and include up to four cases of bottled water or 12 one-gallon jugs for the week.
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Request water sample kits.
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Request more information.
We thank you for your patience as we continue building on our progress until this is resolved.
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