Eastwood Manor Community in Unincorporated McHenry County, Illinois Resolves Yellow Water Issue

EASTWOOD MANOR, Ill. (WLS) — Residents in one north suburban community say for years, they had no choice but to use yellow water.

But on Tuesday night, after years of complaints and our original I-Team investigation, there is finally some relief.

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The ABC7 I-Team showed you the yellow water coming out of faucets, staining sinks, toilets, and even clothing in the far north suburbs back in 2024.

The I-Team has discovered that the yellow water issue in Eastwood Manor, a community in McHenry County, has been resolved. Residents no longer have to deal with discolored water that has been a persistent problem.

“Like clear, very noticeable, like night and day,” said resident Stephanie Tesmer. “There is no yellow water at all anymore.”

Residents told ABC7 last year that they were paying for water that had high levels of iron.

“It stains the toilets, it stains the shower, it’ll stain clothes,” said resident Michael Clark.

Back in May 2024, the I-Team highlighted the situation, finding Environmental Protection Agency data that indicated high iron levels, deemed “unsatisfactory” by state health officials. However, the Illinois Department of Health mentioned that iron generally doesn’t pose a health risk.

Still, one doctor told ABC7 that high levels of iron can make soap much less effective, and it leaves a residue on your skin that can be irritating.

But in recent months, Aqua Illinois has installed a new iron filtration system, and residents say things have dramatically improved.

“We noticed improvements starting in May when McHenry city water was provided temporarily while waiting for the installation of our ion filtration system. By August 8th, our ion filtration system was fully operational,” said Tesmer.

Aqua Illinois confirmed the fix on its website.

The changes are part of a $1.7 million upgrade project in Eastwood Manor focusing on infrastructure, including new iron removal filters. Aqua, which acquired the system in 2016, has been committed to reducing the iron levels that were reportedly 10 times higher initially.

“I’m relieved and delighted. I no longer have to worry about water issues. We can use our faucets without concerns about stains or odors,” Tesmer expressed.

Residents, who have faced this recurring issue for decades, are now pleased to enjoy clear water that is suitable for cooking, cleaning, and drinking without causing discomfort.