$12.5M Aqua Illinois University Park Water Contamination Settlement, Check If You Qualify for a Payment, File Claim at class-settlement.com

Henderson et al. v. Aqua Illinois, Inc., No. 19CH10191

Aqua Illinois University Park water contamination settlement is a $12,500,000 class action resolution covering current and former residents, former residents who have since moved away, and businesses in University Park, Illinois, who were harmed by elevated lead levels in their drinking water between August 2018 and May 2019. A federal judge approved the $12.5 million settlement agreement in April 2026, and current and former residents and business owners will be given the opportunity to submit claims to determine the amount they are owed from Aqua Illinois, which owns and operates the village’s existing water infrastructure. The claim portal is at class-settlement.com/Class-Aqua. If you lived in, owned a business in, or received Aqua Illinois water service in University Park between those dates, this case may directly affect you.

Aqua Illinois University Park Lead Contamination Settlement — Key Facts

Field	Detail
Settlement Amount	$12,500,000
Who Qualifies	Current and former University Park residents, businesses, and property owners who received Aqua Illinois water service and were affected by the lead contamination event beginning in August 2018 through May 2019
Inconvenience-Only Payout	Up to ~$3,000 (no documented losses required)
With Documented Out-of-Pocket Losses	Up to ~$15,000 (bottled water costs, pipe replacements, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages)
Personal Injury Claims	Up to ~$30,000 (health issues caused by lead exposure)
Proof Required	Varies by tier — see money section below
Settlement Status	Court-approved April 2026
Court & Case Number	Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois — No. 19CH10191
Law Alleged	Negligence, nuisance, trespass under Illinois law
Class Counsel	Zimmerman Law Offices, P.C., Chicago, IL
Official Claim Website	class-settlement.com/Class-Aqua
Claim Deadline	TBD — formal notice to class members pending; CBS News reported payments expected by fall 2026
Last Updated	May 29, 2026

Where Does the Aqua Illinois University Park Settlement Stand Today?

• A federal judge approved the $12.5 million settlement in April 2026. The settlement is court-approved and claims are now open.
• Aqua Illinois stated the settlement does not impact customer water rates, and water service remains unchanged. Additional details will be provided upon the filing of the formal notice of settlement to class members.
• Village leaders confirm compensation will be retroactive to include people who even moved out of University Park but were impacted at the time, and everyone — residents, businesses, and churches — will be able to get compensated in some form or fashion. Payments are expected to reach qualifying class members by fall 2026.

Who Is Aqua Illinois and Why Are They Facing a Lead Contamination Settlement?

Aqua Illinois owns and operates the public water system in the Village of University Park, a community that straddles the line dividing Cook and Will counties in Illinois. The company supplies water drawn from the Kankakee River to approximately 12,000 residents across the far south suburban village. In 2017, Aqua switched the source of the public water system from local groundwater wells to the Kankakee River and introduced a new chemical mix into the public water system, which resulted in the removal of a protective layer in residential plumbing throughout the Village, causing lead to leach into the water delivered to Village residents. That decision set in motion a water quality crisis that lasted years and forced thousands of families to rely on bottled water for basic daily needs.

What Did Aqua Illinois Do to University Park Residents Between 2017 and 2019?

Plaintiffs allege that Aqua switched the water source in December 2017 and introduced new chemical treatments, resulting in lead leaching from residential plumbing throughout the Village. The company did not alert residents to elevated lead levels it had already detected — it waited months before issuing any warning.

Representatives for Aqua Illinois admitted they first noticed an elevation in lead levels in August 2018, but said those levels still met EPA standards at the time, and did not alert customers. Instead, they tried to fix the issue by changing the chemical treatment. The problem persisted. In June 2019, about 1,500 homes east of Interstate 57 were placed under a “do not consume” advisory — residents were told not to drink the water or use it to cook or brush their teeth.

Lead in drinking water is especially dangerous because there is no safe level of lead exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead exposure can lead to irreversible brain damage and long-term consequences in children. Families in University Park bought and used bottled water for everything — cooking, coffee, brushing teeth, bathing children — for months and in some cases years.

CBS Chicago covered this case extensively from 2019 through 2026. The Illinois Attorney General and Will County State’s Attorney also filed separate enforcement actions, and the Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit offers a powerful parallel — when a water supplier or government entity exposes a community to toxic contamination without timely warning, courts have consistently held that affected residents deserve real compensation.

The Hendersons and other plaintiffs accused Aqua of nuisance, negligence, and trespass, because Aqua’s conduct caused the lead to trespass into and damage the water supply and residents’ homes, seeking damages including out-of-pocket expenses, discomfort, aggravation, and annoyance.

Related article: P&G Secret “Unscented” Deodorant False Advertising Lawsuit, Were You Affected? Phaneuf v. The Procter & Gamble Company, Case No. 1:26-cv-12251

Aqua denies any wrongdoing and has entered into this settlement to avoid the burden, expense, and distraction of continued litigation. The company was represented in the state enforcement action separately. No court ruled on the merits of the private class action before settlement. If you lived in University Park, owned a business, or rented property there between August 2018 and May 2019, this case may directly affect you.

For a broader look at how community water contamination lawsuits work and what families can claim, see our detailed guide on the FMC Services $2.15M water data breach settlement and patient rights under Illinois law.

Are You Part of the Aqua Illinois University Park Lead Water Settlement?

Here is exactly how to know whether you qualify.

You likely qualify if:

• You lived in University Park between approximately August 2018 and May 2019 and received Aqua Illinois water service
• You owned or operated a business in University Park during that period
• You rented a home or apartment in University Park and paid for water service or paid for bottled water as a result of the contamination advisory
• You have since moved out of University Park but were impacted at the time — the settlement is retroactive and covers former residents

You do NOT qualify if:

• You lived in University Park but were not served by Aqua Illinois water (properties on private wells or other systems)
• You have no connection to the water system during the qualifying contamination period

University Park Residents Who Have Moved Away — Are You Still Covered?

Yes. Village leaders confirmed compensation will be retroactive to include people who even moved out of University Park but were impacted at the time. If you were a resident during the class period and have since relocated anywhere in Illinois or elsewhere in the country, you can still file a claim. Your current address does not disqualify you.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for the Aqua Illinois University Park lead water settlement, a free consultation with an environmental damage attorney can help you assess your situation and make sure you claim the right tier before the deadline.

How Much Can Aqua Illinois University Park Settlement Class Members Recover?

The $12.5 million settlement amount was calculated based on information Zimmerman’s office collected through surveys and interviews that found an estimated 12,000 people were harmed in some way by Aqua Illinois’ water quality issues.

Class counsel Tom Zimmerman confirmed three payout tiers, which are reflected below. All amounts are up to figures — actual payments depend on the number of valid claims submitted and the strength of documentation provided.

Inconvenience Tier — up to ~$3,000

The inconvenience of water pollution alone could result in $3,000 for those who submit a claim. This tier covers the stress, disruption, and loss of use of safe drinking water that every University Park resident under the advisory experienced. No documented receipts are required to claim this tier.

Documented Out-of-Pocket Losses — up to ~$15,000

Those filing claims can ask for compensation to cover out-of-pocket expenses or lost wages — like if they bought bottled water or replaced the pipes in their homes — which could elevate the claim to yield as much as $15,000. Supporting documentation such as receipts, invoices, bank statements, or records of home pipe replacement work will be needed for this tier.

Personal Injury — up to ~$30,000

Residents who experienced health issues as a result of lead contamination and who make personal injury claims could receive an extra $30,000. This is the highest recovery tier and will require medical documentation. Lead exposure, especially for children and pregnant women, can cause long-term neurological and developmental harm. Families who sought medical testing or treatment related to lead exposure should gather those records before filing.

All amounts are subject to pro-rata adjustment based on the total number and value of valid claims submitted against the $12,500,000 fund.

Payments over $600 may be reported to the IRS — check with a tax professional about your specific situation, particularly for personal injury amounts.

What Should University Park Residents and Former Residents Do Right Now?

1. Visit the official claim website at class-settlement.com/Class-Aqua to check current claim status, deadlines, and form availability. The formal notice to class members was pending at the time of settlement approval in April 2026 — the website will have the official claim deadline once it is posted.
   
2. Gather your documentation now, before the deadline is set. The tier you qualify for depends on what proof you can provide:
   
   • Bottled water receipts, grocery store records showing water purchases
   • Invoices for pipe replacement, plumbing work, or water filters
   • Medical records or blood lead level test results for you or your children
   • Records of lost wages if you missed work due to water-related issues
   • Utility bills or lease agreements showing you lived in University Park during the class period
3. If you have moved out of University Park, gather any documents that show your University Park address at the time — a lease, utility bill, or mail piece from that period confirms your residency.
   
4. If you experienced health problems linked to lead exposure — especially children who were tested for elevated blood lead levels — contact an environmental damage attorney before filing. The personal injury tier requires stronger documentation, and legal guidance ensures you receive the maximum recovery for what you went through.
   
5. Do not wait for a notice letter. If you believe you qualify, visit class-settlement.com/Class-Aqua today and check the deadline. Claim windows in community contamination cases often close faster than expected.
   
6. Monitor for updates at class-settlement.com and check University Park village communications. Mayor Joseph Roudez’s office has been actively communicating with residents about the compensation process.

Aqua Illinois University Park Lead Water Lawsuit Timeline

Milestone	Date
Aqua switches water source from groundwater to Kankakee River	December 2017
Aqua internally detects elevated lead levels — does not notify residents	August 2018
Class period for contamination harm begins	August 2018
Aqua issues “Do Not Consume” advisory to ~1,500 University Park homes east of I-57	June 2019
Illinois Attorney General and Will County State’s Attorney sue Aqua Illinois	August 16, 2019
Henderson et al. class action filed in Circuit Court of Cook County — No. 19CH10191	September 3, 2019
Class period ends	May 2019
Aqua meets state lead action level — “Do Not Consume” advisory lifted for most homes	July 2021
Illinois AG files consent order — state enforcement case resolved	October 2023
$12.5M class action settlement approved by federal judge	April 2026
Formal notice to class members	TBD — pending court filing
Claim deadline	TBD — check class-settlement.com
Expected payments to class members	Fall 2026 per CBS Chicago

Aqua Illinois University Park Lead Water Settlement — Frequently Asked Questions, No. 19CH10191

Is there a class action settlement against Aqua Illinois for the University Park lead water contamination? 

Yes. A $12,500,000 settlement in Henderson et al. v. Aqua Illinois, Inc., No. 19CH10191, was approved by a federal judge in April 2026. The claim portal is at class-settlement.com/Class-Aqua. Formal notice to class members was pending as of late April 2026.

I moved out of University Park years ago — can I still file a claim?

 Yes. Village leaders confirmed compensation will be retroactive to include people who even moved out of University Park but were impacted at the time. Your current address does not matter — what matters is that you lived in or operated a business in University Park during the contamination period.

How much will I receive from the Aqua Illinois University Park settlement?

 The inconvenience of water pollution alone could result in ~$3,000. Those with documented out-of-pocket losses like bottled water purchases or pipe replacements could receive up to ~$15,000. Residents who make personal injury claims related to health issues from lead exposure could receive up to ~$30,000. All amounts are subject to pro-rata adjustment based on total claims filed.

Do I need medical proof to file a claim against Aqua Illinois for lead exposure? 

No — not for the inconvenience tier. You can file a claim based on having been a University Park resident under the water advisory without any documentation of specific out-of-pocket losses. However, medical records and proof of health effects are required for the higher personal injury tier of up to $30,000.

What specific laws did Aqua Illinois allegedly violate? 

The plaintiffs accused Aqua of nuisance, negligence, and trespass under Illinois law, alleging that Aqua’s changes to the water system caused lead to trespass into and damage the water supply and residents’ homes. Aqua denies all allegations.

Can University Park business owners file a claim against Aqua Illinois?

 Yes. Current and former residents and business owners will be given the opportunity to submit claims. Business owners who paid for bottled water, lost revenue due to water advisories, or incurred other expenses are eligible.

When will Aqua Illinois settlement payments be sent to University Park residents?

 Residents will be eligible for compensation by fall 2026. The exact payment date depends on the court’s final approval process and the claims administration timeline. Check class-settlement.com for official updates.

Do I need a lawyer to file an Aqua Illinois settlement claim?

 You do not need a lawyer to file the basic inconvenience or documented losses claim. However, if you or a family member suffered personal health effects from lead exposure, consulting an environmental damage attorney before filing is strongly recommended — the personal injury tier is the most complex and the documentation requirements are higher.

Sources Used in This Aqua Illinois University Park Water Settlement Article

• Official Claim Website — class-settlement.com: class-settlement.com/Class-Aqua
• Illinois Attorney General — Consent Order with Aqua Illinois, October 5, 2023: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

Prepared by the AllAboutLawyer.com Editorial Team and reviewed for factual accuracy against the official settlement claim website (class-settlement.com), court records in Henderson et al. v. Aqua Illinois, Inc., No. 19CH10191 (Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois), the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and CBS Chicago’s reporting. Last Updated: May 29, 2026.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney.