University Park water: Mayor Jospeh Roudez III wants to buy rights back from Aqua Illinois after high nitrate levels detected
Share this @internewscast.com

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Residents in the village of University Park have been dealing with water problems for years.

They blame a private utility that supplies water in this area and, once again, is providing free bottled water.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Donna Bell relies on bottled water for nearly all her household needs, from caring for her dogs to cooking and using her various beverage machines, although she avoids using it for bathing. This is despite the fact that she pays substantial water bills every month.

“And I have a water flosser to do my teeth with, and I put bottled water in it, because I don’t trust it,” Bell said.

Living in University Park, Bell harbors distrust towards the water provided by Aqua Illinois. Since lead contamination was found in 2019, both Bell and others in her area have opted for bottled water. A new issue has now arisen.

The private water company is once again distributing free bottled water in University Park after detecting high nitrate levels in the water. This contamination occurred due to significant rainfalls in the Kankakee River, affecting Peotone and sections of Kankakee as well.

“We saw runoff from spring agricultural fertilization getting into the river, which elevates nitrates in the river,” said Aqua Illinois President David Carter.

Aqua Illinois says infants under the age of 6 months should not use the water. But given the history of the water, many adults refuse to risk it.

“It’s really unacceptable. We should have had good water all this time,” said resident William Holloway.

The village sold its water rights to Aqua Illinois decades ago, well before Jospeh Roudez III became mayor.

READ MORE | High iron levels make yellow, orange, foul-tasting water for residents for north suburban residents

“We need control of our system. It’s never going to change,” Roudez said.

The mayor told residents on Monday morning that he is making an effort to buy the water back, which, Roudez admits, could cost millions of dollars, funds the village does not have.

“My ask of the company is to come to the table and give us the opportunity to purchase back the water rights,” Roudez said.

Carter strongly doubts that will ever happen. Despite the lack of trust from residents, he insists his company is a strong advocate for clean water.

“We hear the mayor’s concerns. We hear the residents’ concerns. We take them very seriously,” Carter said.

Aqua Illinois says the latest problem is likely to be solved within a day or two. In the meantime, the mayor has reached out to Illinois’ governor and attorney general to seek their help in trying to buy the water back.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Florida teen accused of faking abduction, shooting himself and sparking Amber Alert

Florida Teen Allegedly Fabricates Abduction, Self-Inflicts Gunshot, and Triggers Amber Alert

A teenager in Florida faces accusations for allegedly making false claims about…
Strong earthquake kills 31 people in a central Philippine region hit by deadly storm just days ago

Powerful earthquake claims 31 lives in central Philippine region recently ravaged by a deadly storm

MANILA, Philippines — A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck offshore in the central…
UNC Suspends Redneck Revolt Professor

UNC Places Redneck Revolt Professor on Suspension

UNC Chapel Hill professor Dwayne Dixon, a self-identified member of the far-left…
Gov. JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrate launch of Food Security for Life initiative at City Colleges

Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Mark the Launch of the “Food Security for Life” Initiative at City Colleges

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon…
Charlie Kirk’s Mission Lives On: Why We Must Carry the Torch

Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: The Importance of Upholding His Vision

By Cliff Maloney My friend, mentor, and American visionary, Charlie Kirk, was…
Eastwood Manor community in unincorporated McHenry County, Illinois is finally free of yellow water problem

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

EASTWOOD MANOR, Ill. (WLS) — Residents in one north suburban community say…
A Right Delayed Is a Right Denied: DOJ Suing LA County for Slow-Walking CCW Apps

Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: DOJ Takes Legal Action Against LA County for Slow Processing of Concealed Carry Permit Applications

The Trump administration’s Justice Department is taking legal action against the Los…
Blue city felon with violent history arrested in deadly train platform stabbing after parole release: report

Violent Ex-Felon Recently Released on Parole Arrested for Fatal Stabbing at Train Platform, Report Says

Police and a local news report indicate that a paroled felon with…
Robert Irwin on shirtless 'Dancing With the Stars' performance and influx of messages from American girls

Robert Irwin’s Shirtless ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Routine Sparks Attention from American Fans

Robert Irwin is feeling like a million bucks. The wildlife conservationist chatted…
Court disqualifies Trump-appointed US attorney in Nevada from overseeing multiple criminal cases

Nevada Court Removes Trump-Appointed US Attorney from Handling Several Criminal Cases

In Las Vegas, a judge has disqualified the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in…
Government shutdown update: Federal government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty

Government Shutdown Begins, Ushering in New Era of Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — With no deal in sight to extend funding, the U.S.…
New Bears stadium renderings released, along with report on projected cost, economic impact of Arlington Heights, Illinois project

Renderings of New Bears Stadium Unveiled, Plus Cost and Economic Impact Report for Arlington Heights, Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — We have received initial insights into the…