AURORA, Colo. – Over the past decade, Aurora city officials discovered lead in water lines leading from homes to meters.
In June, the city sent out several hundred letters notifying residents of the problem.
For 49 years, father of eight, Lloyd Chavez, has watched his family grow in his north Aurora home.
“I have 26 grandchildren and maybe 20 great children,” said Chavez.
And there is no denying his love for his wife of 69 years and his big family runs deep.
“I love them all,” said Chavez.
He's hoping this week his home passes the city's water test. Aurora Water officials say the location of Chavez’s home could mean there is lead in his plumbing.
“There are some homes that were built prior to 1961 that might actually have lead,” said Aurora Water Spokesperson Greg Baker.
The homes are concentered near East 26th Avenue and North Peoria Street and East 11th Avenue and North Yosemite Street, the original part of the city.
The city has now sent more than 600 letters to Aurora residents notifying them of the issue and asking to check the plumbing for free.
So far, the city has tested 24 homes, and only one of the tests came back positive for lead.
Chavez is hoping the pipe in his 1925 home doesn’t test positive.
“It would bother me if they would get sick from it,” said Chavez
The city will pay for a replacement line if a homeowner qualifies. Click here to learn about the steps you need to follow.