The Water Division in Crystal Lake, IL provides over 4.9 million gallons of water each day. In summer months, irrigation can increase demand to 10 million gallons per day!
Crystal Lake uses 11 wells to supply 5 different water treatment plants. Once treated, tap water is stored in 8 storage tanks throughout the city.
Water must travel through over 175 miles of water main to reach the 39,000 residents in Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake Water Hardness
Crystal Lake water hardness ranges from 21-24gpg. The water is rated as extremely hard by the USGS, and is almost 5x harder than the national average. A professional-grade Water Softener will go a long way towards protecting your home from hard water damage.
Annual Water Quality Reports
Water quality can change from year-to-year. Our database of Annual Water Quality Reports will give you a better idea of “what’s in your water”:
2010 Crystal Lake Annual Water Quality Report
2009 Crystal Lake Annual Water Quality Report
2008 Crystal Lake Annual Water Quality Report
2007 Crystal Lake Annual Water Quality Report
2006 Crystal Lake Annual Water Quality Report
The contaminants in these reports have been listed by category below. All contaminants are within Legal Limits. Water contaminants that exceed the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), aka Health Limit, have been highlighted below:
Inorganic Contaminants
Inorganics include salts and metals like hard water and copper. Inorganics are mostly consumed through drinking water, and do not pass through skin. A Reverse Osmosis System is very effective at removing inorganic contaminants.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 0.55 | 0ppb | 10 | Skin damage or problems with circulatory system, may have increased risk of cancer |
| Barium | 0.35 – 3.8 | 2ppm | 2 | Increase in blood pressure |
| Chromium | 0 – 8.2 | 100ppb | 100 | Allergic dermatitis |
| Hardness | 21 – 24 | NA gpg | NA | Increased energy consumption, damage to plumbing, appliances, fixtures, clothing |
| Iron | 0.08 – 0.12 | NA ppm | 0.3 | Increased energy consumption, damage to plumbing, appliances, fixtures, clothing |
| Manganese | 0 – 13 | 50ppb | 50 | Black staining, decreased IQ in children |
| Nitrate | 0 – 0.16 | 10ppm | 10 | Shortness of breath, “blue baby syndrome” |
| Selenium | 0 – 2.3 | 50ppb | 50 | Hair or fingernail loss, numbness in fingers or toes, circulation problems |
| Sodium | 76 – 280 | NA ppm | NA | Hypertension |
| Sulfate | 0 – 63 | NA ppm | NA | Catharsis, Dehydration from diarrhea |
Organic Contaminants
Organics can be natural, or manmade. Many organic chemicals easily pass through the skin, and make a Whole House Carbon Filter or a DMT Hybrid System a good preventative tool.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cis 1,2 – Dichloroethylene | 0 – 6.43 | 70ppb | 70 | Increased risk of cancer |
| Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate | 0 | 0ppb | 6 | Endocrine disruptor, damage to liver and testes, reproductive effects, cancer |
| Dichloromethane | 0 – 0.53 | 0ppb | 5 | Liver problems, increased risk of cancer |
| Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) | 0 – 0.89 | NA ppb | 9000 | Increased risk of cancer, inhalation poses highest risk |
| Trichloroethylene | 3.5 | 0ppb | 5 | Liver problems, increased risk of cancer |
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts
Disinfectants are added to kill bacteria. A new class of compounds are formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with other water contaminants. Many of these enter the body through inhalation, absorption through skin, and through drinking water.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | 0.616 – 2.1 | 4.0ppm | 4 | Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort |
| Haloacetic Acids | 6.8 – 24.1 | 0ppb | 60 | Increased risk of cancer |
| Total Trihalomethanes | 15.4 – 34.5 | 0ppb | 80 | Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer |
Radionucliides
Radionucliides can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. These can be inhaled, or consumed through drinking water.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Emitters | 1 – 2.9 | 0pCi/L | 15 | Increased risk of cancer |
| Combined Radium | 0.1 – 2.1 | 0pCi/L | 5 | Increased risk of cancer |
Microbial Contaminants
Viruses and bacteria may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Microbes are mainly consumed through drinking water.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coliform Bacteria | 5% | 0% | 0% | Short term effects include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches |
This information was compiled from City Water Quality Reports, the EPA, Illinois Department of Health, and the Environmental Working Group. Please contact us if any contaminants are missing, or levels that differ from those outlined on this page.