The Utilities Division in Algonquin, IL maintains three water treatment plants that provide a combined 12 million gallons of water each day.
Algonquin draws water from eight shallow wells that can be less than 150 feet deep. Well #10 is unique as it is approximately 1,300 feet deep.
Treated water is stored in 4 water towers before it is distributed through 160 miles of water lines.
Algonquin Water Hardness
Algonquin water hardness will vary depending on your location in the city.
Water Hardness on the east side of Hanson Road is approximately 22 gains. The area west of Hanson road can range from approximately 17 gains to 28 grains of hardness.
Overall, the water is rated as extremely hard by the USGS, and is 3-6x harder than the national average (depending on location in the city). 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”:
2011 Algonquin Annual Water Quality Report
2010 Algonquin Annual Water Quality Report
2009 Algonquin Annual Water Quality Report
2008 Algonquin Annual Water Quality Report
2007 Algonquin 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 | 1.0 – 1.6 | 0ppb | 10 | Skin damage or problems with circulatory system, may have increased risk of cancer |
| Barium | 0.13 – 0.8 | 2ppm | 2 | Increase in blood pressure |
| Chromium | 4.4 – 5.0 | 100ppb | 100 | Allergic dermatitis |
| Hardness | 17 – 28 | NA gpg | NA | Increased energy consumption, damage to plumbing, appliances, fixtures, clothing |
| Iron | 0.03 – 0.24 | NA ppm | 0.3 | Increased energy consumption, damage to plumbing, appliances, fixtures, clothing |
| Manganese | 16 – 89 | 50ppb | 50 | Black staining, decreased IQ in children |
| Nitrate | 0 – 1.499 | 10ppm | 10 | Shortness of breath, “blue baby syndrome” |
| Nitrite | 0.23 – 0.28 | 1ppm | 1 | Shortness of breath, “blue baby syndrome” |
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 | 0.996 – 2.7 | 4.0ppm | 4 | Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort |
| Haloacetic Acids | 17.9 – 22 | 0ppb | 60 | Increased risk of cancer |
| Total Trihalomethanes | 35 – 42 | 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 – 8.7 | 0pCi/L | 15 | Increased risk of cancer |
| Combined Radium | 2.3 – 3.92 | 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 | 2% | 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.