Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John J. Kim released statements today following the approval of a consent order by Will County Circuit Court Judge John C. Anderson in the case of People of the State of Illinois v. Aqua Illinois Inc.
Attorney General Raoul stated: "My office, working in collaboration with the Will County State’s Attorney’s office and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, filed a lawsuit against Aqua Illinois because all Illinois residents deserve drinking water that meets safety requirements set by Illinois law."
Raoul highlighted interim measures taken during the lawsuit to ensure safe drinking water for residents, including providing bottled water and faucet filter devices, conducting monthly sampling for lead compliance, offering free blood-lead level testing, and developing strategies to prevent future lead contamination.
"Aqua asked the court to roll back water sampling requirements in 2020, but we opposed that motion because the community deserved assurance that Aqua could comply with regulations for an extended period," Raoul added. He emphasized that Aqua's public water system has met state statutory requirements consistently for over two years.
The consent order mandates continued compliance sampling and offers eligible residents opportunities for water testing and free kitchen faucet remediation work. Raoul reiterated his commitment to enforcing environmental laws and advocating for investments in lead pipe removal.
Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow commented: "The health, safety and welfare of the residents of Will County have always been my number one priority and there is nothing more basic to the welfare of the residents than safe drinking water." Glasgow noted collaborative efforts with the Attorney General's office and IEPA to ensure ongoing access to safe drinking water through a Technical Assistance Program.
Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim confirmed that extensive testing has shown consistent compliance with regulatory lead action levels. "This consent order will ensure residents of University Park continue to receive assistance through a new Technical Assistance Program to address lead-containing kitchen fixtures within homes," said Kim.
The final consent order includes parameters for ongoing public water system compliance sampling, customer-requested sampling availability for an additional 180 days, nitrate variability testing, and implementation of a technical assistance program. Eligible residential customers may receive up to $3,500 in kitchen faucet remediation work under this program.
Aqua will maintain its dedicated website WaterFactsIL.com as part of the consent order agreement. The lawsuit filed by Raoul and Glasgow against Aqua Illinois in 2019 is resolved by this court-enforceable agreement; non-compliance may result in further court enforcement actions and penalties.