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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Matched to what EPA's records actually show for AURORA (grade D, 69/100) — not to what sells.
EPA SDWIS/ECHO 2026Q2 · UCMR5 (2023–2026, July 2026 release) · SYR4 six-year review 2012–2019 · Full Aurora water quality report · Methodology
Reverse osmosis or a PFAS-tested carbon block. EPA's UCMR5 sampling of AURORA detected PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, all below federal MCLs. RO removes both long- and short-chain PFAS; a carbon block certified for PFOA/PFOS is the lower-cost option for PFOA/PFOS-only detections, provided cartridges are changed on schedule.
Based on EPA records for AURORA, yes: reverse osmosis or a pfas-tested carbon block is the first fix (see the evidence table above).
An NSF/ANSI 53 lead-certified filter: a pitcher for renters, an under-sink unit for owners, or RO if you also want PFAS and dissolved-solids coverage.
AURORA's latest Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile result was 24 ppb (2025-07-01 to 2025-12-31), above the 15 ppb action level. Lead enters from service lines and home plumbing, so test at the tap if your home is older.
Yes. UCMR5 sampling (2024-05-22 to 2025-02-11) detected PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, all below federal MCLs. RO and PFOA/PFOS-certified carbon filters reduce them.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 58 (RO) or NSF/ANSI 53 with a PFOA/PFOS claim (formerly NSF P473)
EPA's UCMR5 sampling of AURORA detected PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, all below federal MCLs. RO removes both long- and short-chain PFAS; a carbon block certified for PFOA/PFOS is the lower-cost option for PFOA/PFOS-only detections, provided cartridges are changed on schedule.
| Evidence | Result | EPA limit | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 5.9 ppt (max of 4 results, 2 detects) | no federal MCL | 2024-05-22 → 2025-02-11 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
| PFBS | 3.7 ppt (max of 4 results, 2 detects) | no federal MCL | 2024-05-22 → 2025-02-11 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
| PFHxA | 4.7 ppt (max of 4 results, 3 detects) | no federal MCL | 2024-05-22 → 2025-02-11 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
| PFPeA | 5.3 ppt (max of 4 results, 3 detects) | no federal MCL | 2024-05-22 → 2025-02-11 | EPA UCMR5 (July 2026 release) |
Look for: NSF/ANSI 53 lead reduction (or NSF/ANSI 58 RO)
AURORA's latest Lead and Copper Rule result was 24 ppb at the 90th percentile (2025–2025), above EPA's 15 ppb action level. The utility's Q2 2026 service-line inventory also lists 16,799 lead service lines and 93 lines of unknown material. Lead comes from pipes, not the source water, so a point-of-use filter certified for lead is the right tool; RO is the most thorough.
| Evidence | Result | EPA limit | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile of tap samples) | 24 ppb (lead 90th percentile) | 15 ppb | 2025-07-01 → 2025-12-31 | EPA SDWIS/ECHO 2026Q2 |
Look for: Certified drinking-water lab
Utility data describes water leaving AURORA. Lead, copper and some PFAS enter between the main and your faucet, so a mail-in lab test is the only way to know what your household actually drinks — and the cheapest way to avoid buying a filter you do not need.
Rows are the contaminants EPA data actually flags for Aurora. ✓ removes (when certified) · ◐ only specific certified models or media · ✗ does not remove.
| Removes | Pitcher | Under-sink carbon | Reverse osmosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS and short-chain) | ◐ | ◐ | ✓ |
| Lead | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chlorine taste and odor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Typical cost | typically $25–$50 + filters | typically $40–$150 | typically $150–$400 |
| Install | none (renters) | under the sink, ~15 min | under sink + faucet; drain line |
| Certification to look for | NSF/ANSI 42 / 53 | NSF/ANSI 42 / 53 | NSF/ANSI 58 |
| Verified picks | ZeroWater 10-cup · Brita Elite · Waterdrop pitchers | Waterdrop TSA · Waterdrop 10UA | APEC ROES-50 · Waterdrop tankless RO |
Cost ranges are typical retail prices, not quotes. Removal marks describe the filter class when certified for that contaminant — always check the NSF/ANSI listing of the exact cartridge. Full pitcher vs under-sink vs faucet comparison →
A filter is only certified for PFAS up to its rated capacity — breakthrough happens when a cartridge runs past it. Budget the cartridges, not just the unit.
| Filter | Change interval | Annual cartridge cost | Replacements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse osmosis (APEC ROES-50) | typically pre-filters every 6–12 months, RO membrane every 2–3 years, post-carbon yearly | typically $50–$90 | Replacement RO filter sets → |
| Under-sink carbon block (Waterdrop TSA / 10UA) | typically every 6–12 months (rated 8,000 gal or 12 months) | typically $30–$60 | Replacement under-sink cartridges → |
| Pitcher (ZeroWater / Brita Elite) | typically every 2–6 months (ZeroWater 20–40 gal depending on TDS; Brita Elite 120 gal ≈ 6 months) | typically $60–$150 | Replacement pitcher filters → |
Amazon Subscribe & Save ships cartridges on the interval you choose at a small recurring discount, which is the easiest way to keep a certified filter within its rated life. Costs are typical retail figures, not quotes; check the capacity printed on your exact cartridge.
A point-of-use (under-sink) system typically runs $200-$600 installed; whole-house treatment $1,000-$3,000+ depending on flow and what has to come out. Tell us where you are and a certified water-treatment installer serving Aurora will follow up - no obligation.
Aurora's latest lead 90th-percentile result was 24 ppb — above EPA's 15 ppb action level.
Most Popular for Lead
ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher
NSF 53 certified to reduce lead & chromium — no installation, the easiest way to start protecting your water today.
Check Price on AmazonCompare direct from Waterdrop
Filters rated for lead reduction
Waterdrop's lead collection — every filter here is selected for lead reduction, so you can compare options rated for this exact problem.
Shop Filters Rated for Lead →Whole-Home Filtration System
Whole-house system — treats every tap at the source
For consistently poor water, a whole-home system filters every faucet, shower, and appliance — the permanent, install-once fix that goes beyond a single point-of-use filter.
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