Lead Testing and Filter Distribution

Water Testing Kit and Filter Distribution Program

120 Water LogoThe City of Elgin has partnered with 120Water to offer free water testing and pitcher filter kits for water customers who live or do business in Elgin. This new program is designed to help residents and business owners identify and reduce lead in their drinking water.

The program is available to Elgin residents (tenant or property owner) or business owners with an active water account in a house or building built before 1988. Single-family residential, small multi-family residential or businesses with a water service diameter of two-inches or smaller and schools or childcare facilities served by known or potential lead service lines are eligible for this new program.

As a reminder, lead is not present in Elgin's source water, nor is lead in Elgin's treated drinking water. Some homes and buildings built before 1988, however, have water service lines, solder, or fixtures made of lead, and lead can enter the drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials. 

Both property owners and renters are eligible to request a test kit and/or a water pitcher filter. A valid City of Elgin address is required.

Not sure if your house was built before 1988? Fill out the application and 120Water will send you an email to let you know if you qualify.

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Or click here to request a water testing kit and/or a filter kit

What to expect after you submitted an application

Water Testing Kit

After submitting the request, it will be reviewed and an email will be sent informing customers of qualification status. Qualifying customers can expect to receive their kit in the mail within 10 days after the request is submitted. Bilingual (Spanish) assistance is available over email and phone. 

Once a water testing kit request is approved, 120Water will mail you an at home testing kit with instructions and a pre-paid return label. The water testing kits provide three bottles to collect an initial draw sample, a two-minute flushed sample and a five-minute flushed sample. Follow the instructions included in the kit for collecting water samples, put the bottles in the box and place it in your mailbox or your nearest United States Postal Office. The results are provided to water customers within 10 days of the completed sample analysis. The results will be delivered directly to the resident who requested the kit.

It is also important to note that water (which includes showers, toilets, and all faucets) cannot be used for at least six hours prior to filling up the bottles.

Water Pitcher Kit

After submitting the request, it will be reviewed and an email will be sent informing customers of qualification status. Qualifying customers can expect to receive their kit in the mail within 10 days after the request is submitted. Bilingual (Spanish) assistance is available over email and phone. 

Once a water pitcher filter kit request is approved, the pitcher filters will be mailed to you by 120Water. The water pitcher and filters are Brita filters that meet the certification requirements set by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for lead removal.

Customer Service Requests

120Water will take in requests, communicate with residents, source and track delivery of testing and filter kits, provide how-to-use instructions and offer customer support. For questions on sampling procedures, residents can call the 120Water support team at 1-800-674-7961 or email Support@120Water.com.

120Water Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Who is 120Water? 120Water is a digital water solution to protect public health now and in the future by combining cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help execute water safety, compliance, and water monitoring programs 

What does 120Water do? 120Water provides water testing kits, pitcher filter kits or both, and software support to your water system to ensure residents have water testing readily available to them for various sampling programs, and to provide support to residents throughout sampling efforts

What will 120Water send me? 120Water will send you a water testing kit, and sometimes outreach including letters, postcards, emails and texts. 

How will 120Water contact me? 120Water could contact you with sample collection questions, remind you to return your sample kit, or send you a copy of your water test results.

Water Testing Program FAQ's

How will I receive my free water testing kit? 120Water will mail you the water testing kit via USPS.

When will I receive my water test results? You will be mailed a copy of your test results within three weeks of receiving your sample at the lab; if needed, reach out to 120Water to email you a copy of your test results.

After I collect my water sample, how do I return it? Included in your water testing kit will be a prepaid return shipping label that you can peel and stick onto the outside of your testing box and drop it off at your local post office. 

After I collect my water sample, why do I have to return it within 3 business days? It is important to return your sample kit quickly after you collect your sample, so the laboratory can process your sample under the required and recommended methods per EPA, and that your sample does not sit for longer than 14-days. 

My water test results are high, now what? If your water test results exceed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Action Level for lead please refer to your results letter, as it will include additional information. You should also contact the water department if you have further questions. 

Lead Testing Laboratories

Below are some additional options for laboratories that test for lead. If residents or businesses choose to contact a laboratory directly, the laboratory will charge the resident for the service provided. 

Laboratories that will test for lead in water:

Historical Lead Testing Results

Click here to view lead testing results from 2016 to present.