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Is Arlington Heights Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 25, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Arlington Heights?

Yes, Arlington Heights's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Arlington Heights has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Arlington Heights's water utility, Arlington Heights, had 1 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Arlington Heights water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Arlington Heights Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Arlington Heights tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Arlington Heights's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Arlington Heights Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Arlington Heights for Arlington Heights in Illinois. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2021, Arlington Heights had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Inadequate Reporting which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Is there Lead in Arlington Heights Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Arlington Heights water system, Arlington Heights, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Arlington Heights water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Arlington Heights contained more lead.

While Arlington Heights water testing may have found 0.0 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Arlington Heights Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Glenview NAS - near Arlington Heights with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Arlington Heights has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Arlington Heights SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
07/01/2021 - Resolved No Other Violation (Other) Consumer Confidence Report Inadequate Reporting (72) Consumer Confidence Rule (420) Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) Other (400) Consumer Confidence Rule (420)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Arlington Heights Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT ARLINGTON HEIGHTS CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Arlington Heights water provider, Arlington Heights, please use the information below.
By Mail: VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
33 SOUTH ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ROAD
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, 60005
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Arlington Heights account to pay their Arlington Heights water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Arlington Heights bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Arlington Heights water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Arlington Heights water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP ARLINGTON HEIGHTS WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Arlington Heights means you will often need to put the water in your name with Arlington Heights. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Arlington Heights means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Arlington Heights. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Arlington Heights tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 28% Low
  • Water Pollution 39% Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 72% High
  • Water Quality 61% High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Arlington Heights, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Arlington Heights Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Arlington Heights's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

Village of Arlington Heights

A REPORT TO WATER CUSTOMERS

2020

WATER QUALITY REPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

JUNE 2021

INTRODUCTION

The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act passed by Congress mandates that every public water supply in the United States prepare and distribute an annual report on water quality. This annual report to water consumers in Arlington Heights characterizes the quality of our drinking water. The format of this report is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). USEPA requires certain mandatory language and data in this report. These informational items must be published every year in the Village’s

Water Quality Report.

This year, as in past years, drinking water in Arlington Heights met all Federal and State standards. The Arlington Heights Water Utility constantly monitors and safeguards the water supply. The Arlington Heights water system did not exceed any State or Federal contaminant levels nor any other water quality standard during 2020. The Village is committed to providing its customers with safe drinking water and we are pleased to share this water quality report with you.

Questions regarding water quality or other water related issues should be directed to:

Scott Schweda, Superintendent of Utilities

Village of Arlington Heights

222 N. Ridge Avenue

Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005

Phone (847) 368-5800 Fax (847) 577-5930

In keeping with our continuing efforts to be environmentally responsible, the Village will offer this report on the Village web site (www.vah.com). Your water bill will inform you of the availability of the report. A printed copy will be available upon request (847-368-5800).

Periodically, water related topics are addressed by the Village Board of Trustees. The Village Board meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Report all water related issues including neighborhood issues like potholes, street light outages, and downed street signs by using the Arlington

  • Work Citizen Request Form powered by SeeClickFix. Start reporting issues in Arlington Heights by visiting www.vah.com or by downloading SeeClickFix on iOS or Android.

A BRIEF COMMENT CONCERNING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT

The replacement of water related infrastructure is constantly being performed within the Village of Arlington Heights. This includes both above and underground infrastructure.

The Village of Arlington Heights has ten water storage tanks that require painting every twenty five to thirty years. The maintenance of water pumping stations is an ongoing task that requires proper planning and coordination to ensure the uninterrupted flow of potable water to our customers. Maintenance of the Village’s emergency wells is an ongoing task as well.

The Village of Arlington Heights has over two hundred and one miles of water main. Seventy miles of water main are over sixty years old. The failure of water main includes many factors such as poor soil conditions, stray electrical current, depth of bury and poor pipe quality. The prioritization of replacement is based upon many factors which include critical customers, rate of failure, scheduled road replacement and ease of construction.

Arlington Heights continues to maintain existing infrastructure on an annual basis as part of our ongoing Capital Program. As such, the planned water main replacement this year will entail the replacement of existing mains on Verde Drive; Cambridge

to Allegheny; Plymouth Court; Lexington Street, Verde Drive to Roanoke; Concord Drive; Roanoke Drive, Wilke Road to Verde Drive; Williamsburg Drive, Lexington to 2301 N. Maude Avenue, Arlington Heights Road to Douglas Avenue; Lynwood Avenue, Arlington Heights Road to Douglas Avenue; Belmont Avenue, Maude Avenue to Thomas Street; Pine Avenue, Maude Avenue to Thomas Street; Haddow Avenue, Maude Avenue to Lynwood Avenue; Haddow Avenue, Thomas Street to South end; Thomas Street, Belmont Avenue to Dryden Avenue.

WATER MONITORING, TESTING AND ANALYSIS

This year, as in past years, the Village of Arlington Heights and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) have initiated and implemented significant measures which safeguard your drinking water. Drinking water in Arlington Heights is monitored and tested in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency standards and regulations. Each year the Village and IEPA perform over 1200 analytical tests in order to assure water quality. These analytical tests are an integral part of a monitoring program that detects and quantifies over 120 contaminants and microbials.

A BRIEF DISCUSSION ABOUT WATER SYSTEM SECURITY AND VULNERABILITY

The official title of this document is “Consumer Confidence Report”. One

2

essential element which contributes to the confidence level of our water customers is water system security. Our customers demand and expect that their drinking water is safe and plentiful. Water system security and protection is the cornerstone of any municipal water supply.

It is not appropriate to disseminate the specific mitigation measures developed for the Arlington Heights water system in this publication. However, appropriate plans and measures have been developed and are constantly refined as time an technology allow. The Village President and Board of Trustees, the Village Manager and the Water Utility Operations staff are unalterably committed to preventing attack and intrusion and to developing emergency measures to counter any event or act which threatens the delivery of plentiful, reliable, and safe drinking water to customers in the Village of Arlington Heights.

WATER SOURCE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM

It should be noted that the source water for customers in Arlington Heights is Lake Michigan. Beginning in 1985, the Village Water Utility changed from deep well ground water to Lake Michigan surface water. Although the Village maintains 6 deep wells for emergency purposes, the sole water source for Arlington Heights is Lake Michigan water treated by the City of Evanston.

INTERESTING STATISTICS

Miles of public water main (4”-30”) 201+. Number of metered customers, 20,788. Average day water pumpage, 7.3 million gallons.

Number of public fire hydrants, 3315+. Number of water storage reservoirs, 10. Pumping capacity, 31,050 gallons/minute.

WATER TREATMENT

The City of Evanston is responsible for all required treatment of our drinking water. The Evanston water filtration plant provides the following treatment processes: Flocculation, Sedimentation, Rapid Sand Filtration, and Disinfection.

The Evanston plant adds fluoride and chlorine to the water in accordance with State and Federal guidelines. Additionally, the Evanston plant adds Polyorthophosphate as a corrosion inhibitor to guard against lead and copper contamination of the drinking water supply. The Village monitors the levels of chlorine disinfectant in the treated, finished water and adds chlorine as needed in order to maintain a disinfectant residual as required by State and Federal Regulations. Northwest Water Commission collects water from the Evanston plant and distributes the water to Arlington Heights.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION

In accordance with the 1996 Amendments to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has performed and completed a “Source Water Assessment” for the Village of Arlington Heights water supply. The “source water” for Arlington Heights is Lake Michigan at Evanston, Illinois. The City of Evanston provides complete water treatment and filtration of all water supplied to Village of Arlington Heights municipal water customers.

Continued on page 7

The following table provides information regarding finished water quality obtained by the City of Evanston during periodic sampling at their water treatment facility.

Evanston 2020 Water Quality Data

Regulated Contaminants

Water Quality Test Results

Definitions: The following tables contain scientific terms and measures, some of which may require explanation. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety .mg/l: milligrams per litre or parts per million - or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water .ug/l: micrograms per litre or parts per billion - or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water .na: not applicable .Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based on running annual average of monthly samples. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDLG): The level of disinfectant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s allow for a margin of safety.

Regulated Contaminants

Collection

Date

Highest

Level

Detected

Range

of Levels

Detected

MCLG

MCL

Units Violation Likely Source of Contaminant

Disinfectants & Disinfection By-Products

Chlorine

2020

1

1

- 1

MRDLG=4

MRDL=4

ppm

N

Water additive used to control microbes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

2020

16

6.3 - 25.7

No goal for

60

ppb

N

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

the total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TTHMs (Total Trihalomethanes)

2020

31

15.8

- 39.8

No goal for

80

ppb

N

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

the total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Not all sample results may have been used for calculating the Highest Level Detected because some results may be part of an evaluation to determine where compliance sampling should occur in the future.

Inorganic Contaminants

Barium

2020

0.02

0.02

- 0.02

2

2

ppm

N

Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries:

Erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride

2020

0.7

0.7

- 0.7

4

4.0

ppm

N

Erosion of natural deposits. Water additive which promotes strong

teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen)

2020

0.4

0.4 -0.4

10

10

ppm

N

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage;

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sodium

2020

8

8

- 8

-

-

ppm

N

Erosion from naturally occuring deposits; used in water softner

regeneration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radioactive Contaminants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combined Radium 226/228

2020

1.02

1.02

- 1.02

0

5

pCi/L

N

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross alpha excluding radon and uranium

2020

0.72

0.72

- 0.72

0

15

pCi/L

N

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*MCL Statement: The maximum contaminant level(MCL) for TTHM and HAA5 is 80 ppb and 60 ppb respectively and is currently only applicable to surface water supplies that serve 10,000 or more people. These MCLs became effective 01/01/2004 for all groundwater supplies and surface supplies serving less then 10,000 people. Until 01/01/2004, surface water supplies serving less then 10,000 people, any size water supply that purchase from a surface water source, and groundwater supplies serving more than 10,000 people must meet a state imposed TTHM MCL of 100 ppm. Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years experience problems with their livers, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer.

Note: The state requires monitoring of certain contaminants less than once per year because the contaminants do not change frequently. Therefore, some of this data may

be more than one year old. MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs

as feasible using the best available treatment technology. MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no

known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

ppm: parts per million ppb: parts per billion

ppt: parts per trillion

pCi/l: picoCuries per liter (measurement of radioactivity)

3

TURBIDITY

Limit (Treatment Technique)

Lowest Monthly % meeting limit

Highest Single Measurement

Violation

Source

0.3 NTU

100%

N/A

No

Soil runoff

1 NTU

N/A

0.15 NTU

No

Soil runoff

Information Statement: Turbidity is a measurement of the cloudliness of the water caused by suspended particles. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality and the effectiveness of our filtration system and disinfectants. Results may be obtained by calling the contact listed on the first page of this report.

TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON

The percentage of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was measured each month and the system met all TOC removal requirements set by the IEPA, unless a TOC violation is noted in the violations section.

EDUCATIONAL STATEMENTS Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. USEPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791.

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

  • Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife;
  • Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals which may be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming;
  • Pesticides and herbicides which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses;
  • Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also may come from gasoline stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.
  • Radioactive contaminants which may be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the USEPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide similar protection for public health.

VIOLATION REPORT SUMMARY

The Village of Arlington Heights water utility is proud to report that no violations of any state or federal standard occurred during the 2020 reporting period.

EMERGENCY WATER SUPPLY DEEP WELL’S

The Village owns and operates several deep wells as a source of emergency water supply. Water Quality Data is available upon request. No well water was distributed in 2020.

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM MONITORINGThe Village of Arlington Heights does not monitor for cryptosporidium. However, in accordance with the “Long Term Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule” established by USEPA, Evanston is currently monitoring for cryptosporidum monthly. Monthly testing for cryptosporidium began in April 2007. Monitoring performed by Evanston in 2018 did not detect cryptosporidium, giardia, or escherichia coli in the “raw” source water withdrawn from Lake Michigan.

MONITORING DATASUMMARY TABLES

  • In addition to the informational section of this water quality report the Village has included several tables for your review. These tables list and quantify contaminants that were detected in your drinking water or were tested for but not detected.
    The following table and data is applicable to Arlington Heights drinking water:

continued on P. 5

4

Arlington Heights 2020 Water Quality Data

Regulated Contaminants

Lead and Copper

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. We cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are con- cerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Definitions: Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system

must follow. Action Level Goal (ALG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. ALG’s allow for a margin of safety.

Coliform Bacteria

MCLG

Total Coliform MCL

 

Highest No.

Fecal Coliform or E. Coli MCL

 

Total No. of Positive E. Coli

 

Violation

 

Likely Source of Contamination

 

 

 

 

of Positive

 

 

 

or Fecal Coliform Samples

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

5% of monthly

 

1.9

 

 

0

 

 

N

 

Naturally present in the environment.

samples are positive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead & Copper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Sampled

MCLG

Action Level (AL)

90th Percentile

# Sites Over AL

Units

 

Violation

 

Likely Source of contamination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

 

2020

 

1.3

 

1.3

0.099

 

0

ppm

 

N

 

Erosion of natural deposits. Leaching from wood

 

 

 

 

 

 

preservatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead

 

2020

 

0

 

15

0

 

1

ppb

 

N

 

Corrosion of household plumbing systems;

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated Contaminants

Collection

Date

Highest Level

Detected

Range of

Levels Detected

MCLG

MCL

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contaminant

Disinfectants & Disinfection By-Products

Chlorine

2020

1.25

0.7 – 1.25

MRDLG=4

MRDL=4

ppm

N

Water additive used to control microbes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

2020

27.6

16.2 – 38.6

No goal for

60

ppb

N

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

the total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TTHMs

2020

42

18.9 – 59.1

No goal for

80

ppb

N

 

(Total Trihalomethanes)

the total

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inorganic Contaminants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from

Arsenic

2018

2.75

0 – 2.75

0

10

ppb

N

orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

production wastes.

Barium

2018

0.0629

0.0323 – 0.0629

2

2

ppm

N

Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from

metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits. Water additive

Fluoride

2018

1.22

0.75 – 1.22

4

4.0

ppm

N

which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fertilizer and aluminum factories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This contaminant is not currently regulated

Iron

2018

1.02

0.27 – 1.02

1.0

ppm

N

by the USEPA. However, the state regulates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This contaminant is not currently regulated

Manganese

2018

21.2

0 – 21.2

150

150

ppb

N

by the USEPA. However, the state regulates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits.

Sodium

2018

214

23.8 – 214

ppm

N

Erosion from naturally occurring deposits;

used in water softener regeneration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radioactive Contaminants

 

 

Samples for

Emergency

Back Up

Wells

 

 

Combined Radium

2019

41.4

10.82 – 41.4

0

5

pCi/L

N

Erosion of natural deposits.

226/228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross alpha excluding

2020

51.2

14.4 – 51.2

0

15

pCi/L

N

Erosion of natural deposits.

radon and uranium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium

2019

1.39166

0 – 1.39166

0

30

ug/l

N

Erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

continued on P. 6

5

Definitions: MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, or the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level, or the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. AL: Action Level, or the concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. TT: Treatment Technique or a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Abbreviations: nd – not detectable at testing limits. n/a – not applicable. ppm

  • parts per million or milligrams per liter. ppb – parts per billion or micrograms per liter. ppt – parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter. ppq – parts per quadrillion, or pictograms per liter. n/a – not applicable. NTU – Nephelometric Turbidity Unit, used to measure cloudiness in drinking water. %<0.5 NTU – Percent samples less than 0.5 NTU. MFL – Million fibers per liter, used to measure asbestos concentration. mrem/yr – millirems per year, used to measure radiation absorbed by the body. pCi/l – picocuries per liter, used to measure radioactivity. #pos/mo
  • number of positive samples per month.

%pos/mo – percent positive samples per month. In most cases, the “Level Found” column represents an average of sample result data collected during the CCR calendar year. The “Range of Detections” column represents a range of individual sample results, from lowest to highest that were collected during the CCR calendar year. If a date appears in the “Date of Sample” column, the Illinois EPA requires monitoring for this contaminant less than once per year because the concentrations do not frequently change. If no date appears in the column, monitoring for this contaminant was conducted during the CCR calendar year.

6

About the Data

LEAD Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water. Additional information is available from the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

A Word About Taste and Odor Problems

Periodically, due to changes in the chemical properties of your drinking water, objectionable tastes and/or odors may be present. These “T & O” problems are typically attributable to either the chlorine used to disinfect the water or to algae in Lake Michigan.

Although counterintuitive, the chlorine smell is due to too little chlorine in the water rather than too much. The low chlorine residual is out of balance with the physical and chemical properties of the water resulting in a strong chlorine odor. This problem typically disappears in a day or two.

The second taste and odor problem is related to algae in Lake Michigan. Simply stated, when the algae comes in contact with the chlorine disinfectant an earthy, musty taste and odor is imparted to the water. Although harmless, the earthy, musty taste is highly objectionable to a majority of water customers. The City of Evanston has initiated enhanced water treatment techniques which have helped to mitigate the taste and odor problems when they occur.

Water Testing and Monitoring in Arlington Heights

Water quality and purity is of paramount importance in Arlington Heights. The Village Water Utility Operations staff is on constant vigil to monitor for and guard against microbial and chemical contamination of the drinking water. The following is a brief description of the testing parameters and frequency of testing used in Arlington Heights. (All tests are performed by a private, IEPA certified laboratory or by the IEPA

Laboratory in Champaign, Illinois).

Microbial Testing – Samples are obtained from 20 sites in the Village on a weekly basis. These sites are located strategically throughout the Village and are representative of the entire water distribution network in Arlington Heights. The 20 weekly bacteriological samples are analyzed for chlorine residual value and for bacteriological contamination. Particular emphasis is placed on detecting Coliform bacteria.

Disinfectant Monitoring – The essence of a safe drinking water supply is disinfection. Initial disinfection of our drinking water is done as part of the water treatment process at the

City of Evanston’s water treatment plant. Disinfectant (chlorine) residual content is maintained by both the Northwest Water Commission and by the Village. The Village monitors chlorine residual by using continuous chlorine analyzers. These analyzers instantaneously determine if additional chlorine is needed in order to maintain safe, effective disinfectant levels.

Water Quality Monitoring – The Village samples and tests incoming water supplied by Evanston and the Northwest Water Commission. These tests are conducted on a bi- weekly basis. These samples are obtained from the four Northwest Water Commission water supply entry points to the Village. These samples are analyzed for pH, corrosion inhibitor and related water quality parameters.

Continued from P. 3

history of finished water quality produced Treatment Program. All agencies involved in ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water to consumers in Arlington Heights have developed programs designed to address source water protection issues at the local level.

Specific source water assessment and protection information can be obtained from the IEPA at www.epa,state,il,us/ water/groundwater/source-water and www.epa.state.il.us/cgi-bin/wp/swap-fact- sheets.pl

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the IEPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

7

Water Quality Data Table Footnotes

TURBIDITY Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality and the effectiveness of our filtration system and disinfectants.

BETA/PHOTON EMITTERS The MCL for beta particles is 4 mrem/year. EPA considers 50 pCi/l to be a level of concern for beta particles.

FLUORIDE Fluoride is added to the water supply to help promote strong teeth. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends an optimal fluoride range of 0.9 mg/l to 1.2 mg/l.

SODIUM There is not a state or federal MCL for sodium. Monitoring is required to provide information to consumers and health officials that are concerned about sodium intake due to dietary precautions. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, you should consult a physician about this level of sodium in the water.

UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS: A Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this contaminant has not been established by either state or federal regulations, nor has mandatory health effects language. The purpose for monitoring this contaminant is to assist USEPA in determining the occurrence of regulated contaminants in drinking water, and whether future regulation is warranted.

A Note To All Retail, Commercial, Industrial, and Large Residential Water Customers

The Village of Arlington Heights administers a comprehensive backflow prevention program. This program is designed to protect the integrity of the water distribution system and insure safe potable water is delivered to all customers at all times. This program is required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Every three years the Village of Arlington Heights collects competitive bids for the services of annual inspection and maintenance of all backflow devices within the Village of Arlington Heights. This year Taylor Plumbing has been awarded the contract for these services. The contact for Taylor Plumbing is Patty Ruff at (847) 279-8581. If you wish to have more information concerning the Backflow Prevention, please contact Mike Gilles, Meter Foreman with the Village of Arlington Heights at (847)368-5800.

A Word of Caution

The Village of Arlington Heights does not engage the services of outside vendors to monitor water quality. All water sampling is performed by Village Department of Public Works staff members. All Public Works staff members carry Village-issued identification cards. Please keep this in mind when dealing with individuals who want to discuss water quality issues with you.

This 2020 Water Quality Report documents the commitment

made by the Village of Arlington Heights

to provide you with a safe, reliable drinking water supply.

The Village President and Board of Trustees

and the Village Water Utility Operations staff have an enviable history in developing, financing, and operating the public water supply in Arlington Heights.

This responsibility is taken very seriously and we pledge our continued vigilance in supplying you with safe drinking water.

Water Quality in Arlington Heights meets or exceeds all State and Federal drinking water standards.

Contaminants


Arlington Heights

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 76943
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Purchased surface water
  • Total: 17

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Bromoform
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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