Cash payments available for residents and businesses affected by water advisories and alleged lead contamination
If you received water from Aqua’s University Park system or were under a “Do Not Consume” notice or Lead Advisory between Dec. 9, 2017 and July 10, 2024, you may be eligible for a payment from a $12.5 million class action settlement.
This settlement resolves claims that Aqua Illinois allegedly allowed lead contamination into the drinking water system, leading to health risks, financial losses, and disruptions for residents and businesses. Aqua denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.
What happened?
Residents of University Park alleged that Aqua Illinois, Inc. was responsible for lead entering the public water system, which led to:
- “Do Not Consume” warnings
- Lead advisories
- Health concerns and potential exposure
- Out-of-pocket costs (like bottled water and filters)
- Lost wages and business disruption
The lawsuit includes claims of negligence, trespass, nuisance, and federal law violations. Aqua denies all allegations but agreed to a $12.5 million settlement.
Who is eligible?
You may be included if, between Dec. 9, 2017 and July 10, 2024, you:
- Received water from Aqua’s University Park public water system, OR
- Were subject to a “Do Not Consume” notice, OR
- Were subject to a Lead Advisory
This includes:
- Homeowners and renters
- Businesses and non-residential customers
- People who paid for water through rent or lease
How much money can you get?
Payments vary based on your situation and documentation. The settlement includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Here are some examples of potential compensation:
- Up to $1,000 per household for “Do Not Consume” notice
- Up to $2,000 per household if also under Lead Advisory
- Up to $110–$300+ for out-of-pocket costs (water, filters, etc.)
- Up to $1,029 for lost wages (with documentation)
- Up to $30,045 for elevated blood lead levels (with proof)
- Business claims may reach several thousand dollars depending on losses
Your final payment depends on:
- Type of claim
- Proof provided (if any)
- Total number of valid claims filed
All payments may be adjusted up or down (pro rata) depending on claim volume.
Your options
| Your Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Submit a Claim | File a claim online or by mail to receive a cash payment. Supporting documents may be required depending on the type of claim. | July 6, 2026 |
| Do Nothing | Stay in the settlement but receive no payment and give up your right to sue over these claims. | N/A |
| Exclude Yourself | Leave the settlement. You won’t get money, but you keep your right to sue individually. | July 6, 2026 |
| Object to the Settlement | Stay in the settlement but tell the Court why you disagree with it. | July 6, 2026 |
| Attend the Hearing | Ask to speak at the final approval hearing (at your own expense). | August 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. CT |
How to file a claim?
Filing is required to receive payment.
You can:
- Submit a claim online through the official settlement website
- OR download and mail a paper claim form
You may be asked for:
- Proof of residency or water service
- Receipts for bottled water, filters, or expenses (for higher payouts)
- Medical documentation (for injury claims)
- Income or wage records (for lost wages claims)
Some small-value claims do not require documentation, but larger claims do.
Deadline to submit: July 6, 2026
If you lived in or received water in University Park during the affected period, this settlement may apply to you, even if you don’t have extensive documentation.
