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Service · Aurora

Lead service line replacement in Aurora

If your Aurora home was built in 1960 or earlier, you may have received a notice about a lead, galvanized or unknown service line. Here is how the City program works and where a plumber fits.

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Aurora’s lead service line program

Aurora Water notifies owners and tenants of homes built in 1960 or earlier whose service line shows as lead, galvanized or unknown, and asks owners to complete an inspection and participation form. Enrollment is free.

Source: City of Aurora — Lead in Drinking Water; City of Aurora — Lead service line notice FAQ

If you do not participate

Owners who do not participate must replace the lead or galvanized service line with copper at their own expense, with a City permit issued to a licensed contractor and a City inspection report as proof.

Source: City of Aurora — Lead service line notice FAQ

What the service line is

Water service line from the street main to the meterCross-section: the water main under the street connects to a service line that runs under the parkway, past a curb stop valve, through the foundation wall to a shutoff valve and the water meter inside the building. BASEMENT WATER MAINSTREETPARKWAY M 1234
Diagram The parts of a water service line. In Chicago, many service lines are known or suspected to contain lead.
  1. Service line — material may be lead, galvanized, copper or other; check the City inventory.
  2. Curb stop / buffalo box — a valve typically in the parkway, operated by the utility.
  3. Inside shutoff valve — know where yours is before an emergency.
  4. Water meter. Where City and owner responsibilities split varies — confirm with your water utility (311 in Chicago).
Simplified schematic, not to scale. Actual layouts vary by building.

Inside the house

The City notes that buildings built before 1987 may have fixtures or solder containing lead, and that a licensed plumber can test for it. Replacing the service line does not change interior plumbing. Pipe materials

Who does the work

Under the program, the City indicates work is done by Aurora Water or its contractors. If you replace the line yourself outside the program, it must be done by a licensed contractor under a City permit.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to join Aurora’s program?

The City describes enrollment as free. Read the participation agreement for details on restoration and access.

My house was built after 1960 — am I affected?

The notices target homes built in 1960 or earlier. Check the City’s service line map for your address.

Related

Sources

  1. City of Aurora — Lead in Drinking Water Official / primary
  2. City of Aurora — Lead service line notice FAQ Official / primary

Information can change; official sources control.

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