Drinking water alert for infants lifted in University Park, south suburbs, high nitrate level warning ends, Aqua Illinois says
Share this @internewscast.com

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A drinking water alert for infants in parts of the south suburbs was lifted Friday.

Nitrate levels in the Kankakee River water are now below the required level, Aqua Illinois said.

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

For years, residents in the village of University Park have been struggling with water issues. They attribute these problems to Aqua Illinois, the private utility responsible for supplying water in their area, which was once again distributing free bottled water last week.

The private water company reported that elevated nitrate levels were found in the water following heavy rains in the Kankakee River. Peotone and sections of Kankakee experienced similar effects.

“We observed runoff from spring agricultural fertilization entering the river, which increases the nitrates in the river,” stated Aqua Illinois President David Carter.

During the alert that has now ended, Aqua Illinois said infants under the age of 6 months should not use the water. But given the history of the water, many adults refused to risk drinking it either.

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

“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.

Earlier this week, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said it was “working closely with representatives from Aqua Illinois following the Nitrate detection above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in the Kankakee River.”

Aqua Illinois’ water bottle distributions have now ended as they say customers can resume consuming drinking water as normal.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
El Chapo's son pleads guilty to US drug trafficking

El Chapo’s Son Admits Guilt in US Drug Trafficking Case

As part of a plea agreement, Guzman Lopez admitted to helping oversee…

Eyewitness to Idaho Tragedy: Missteps, Misunderstandings, and the Unveiling of the Real Culprit

EDGING open the door to the student digs, Hunter Johnson felt something…
Close-up of Maria Shalaeva.

Putin Official Accused of Using $100M Military Jets to Fly Young Mistress Amid Kremlin Scandal

A SEX scandal has shaken the Kremlin as a high-ranking Putin official…

22-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Murdered by Online Acquaintance After Expressing Friendship Intentions; ‘Gruesome Scene’ Discovered

A 22-year-old woman reportedly told a man that she wasn’t interested in…
War on cartels yields results as 'El Chapo' heir confesses to running violent drug empire

Crackdown on Cartels Sees Success as ‘El Chapo’s’ Son Admits to Leading Brutal Drug Operation

One son of the infamous drug trafficker “El Chapo” has confessed to…
Caribbean police work to ID body found during search for missing American as nearby security guard was killed

Caribbean Authorities Seek to Identify Body Found During Search for Missing American After Nearby Security Guard Killing

A security guard was killed about 9 miles from where an American…
Hochul defends handling of sexual harassment, toxic workplace complaints against ex-press secretary

Governor Hochul Addresses Allegations of a Hostile Environment and Misconduct by Former Press Secretary

ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul is standing by her administration’s response to…
Naperville news today: Centennial Beach closed amid death investigation at 500 West Jackson Avenue, park district says

Naperville Update: Centennial Beach Closure During Investigation of Incident at 500 West Jackson Avenue, Reports Park District

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — A west suburban beach is closed to the…
Military amphibious vehicles in the water.

Observe as a Massive Fleet of New Chinese ‘Tank Boats’ Takes to the Water Amid Taiwan’s Largest War Drills Yet

DRAMATIC footage captures a fleet of Chinese tank boats charging through the…
Woman in hospital bed recovering from dog attack.

Woman, 55, Attacked by Dogs While Delivering Uber Eats Order – Dogs Grabbed Her Head

A GRAN was left seriously injured after being mauled by two dogs…
South River, New Jersey police officers save 1-year-old choking child, body camera video shows

Heroic South River Police Officers Rescue Choking Toddler in Heart-Pounding Bodycam Footage

SOUTH RIVER, N.J. — Police officers in New Jersey jumped into action…
Andre Agassi snaps at commentator over celebrity Wimbledon questions

Andre Agassi Responds Firmly to Commentator’s Celebrity Wimbledon Inquiries

Andre Agassi is at Wimbledon to talk tennis, not to fawn over…