McHenry IL – the home of Garrelts Water Treatment!
During the first half of the 19th century, McHenry flourished as a resort area because of the Fox River, surrounding lakes and easy accessibility from Chicago. Strong growth continued from farming and industries such as lumber, cigars, clay, food products and brewing that helped draw new residents to the area.
Today, the McHenry Water Division has developed 11 deep water wells to supply the city’s water needs.
The City of McHenry is partnering with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health to inform residents of the importance of having private wells tested. In recent years, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been found in groundwater in many areas of the state. Groundwater is the source of drinking water for private wells and the IEPA began a private well owner awareness campaign for education about the issue of VOCS in groundwater and well safety.
McHenry IL Water Hardness
McHenry water hardness is 23gpg, and is rated as extremely high by the USGS.
A reliable, professional-grade water softener like our E3 Water Softener is highly recommended. A softener will protect your home’s plumbing, appliances, and water heater.
McHenry IL Water Quality Reports
The wells that supply McHenry with water can change from year-to-year. We have gathered the following reports to so you can see “what’s in your water”:
2012 McHenry Annual Water Quality Report
2011 McHenry Annual Water Quality Report
2010 McHenry Annual Water Quality Report
McHenry IL Targeted Well Water Contaminants
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 in McHenry Drinking Water
Inorganics include salts and metals like hard water and iron. Inorganic contaminants are mostly consumed through drinking water, and do not pass easily through skin. A Reverse Osmosis System is very effective at removing inorganic contaminants.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony | 0.36 – 2.5 | 6ppb | 5.6 | Increase in blood cholesterol, decrease in blood sugar |
| Arsenic | 0.63 – 2.0 | 0ppb | 10 | Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer |
| Barium | 0.07 – 0.13 | 2ppm | 2 | Increase in blood pressure |
| Hardness | 23 | NA gpg | NA | Increased energy consumption, damage to plumbing, appliances, fixtures, clothing |
| Iron | .025 – 1.4 | NA ppm | 0.3 | Increased energy consumption, damage to plumbing, appliances, fixtures, clothing |
| Manganese | 4 – 131 | 50ppb | 50 | Black staining, decreased IQ in children |
| Nitrate | 0.49 – 0.69 | 10ppm | 10 | Shortness of breath, “blue baby syndrome” |
| Selenium | 0 – 1 | 50ppb | 50 | Hypertension |
Organic Contaminants in McHenry IL Drinking Water
Organic contaminants 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 tool to prevent exposure.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate | 0.2 – 1.19 | 0ppb | 6 | Endocrine disruptor, damage to liver and testes, reproductive effects, cancer |
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts in McHenry IL Drinking Water
Disinfectants are added by the city 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. The DMT Hybrid System or a Whole House Carbon Filter would offer a good layer of protection for your home and family.
| Contaminant | Levels Found | Health Limit | Legal Limit | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | 0.21 – 1.98 | 4.0ppm | 4 | Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort |
| Total Trihalomethanes | 4.5 – 6.0 | 0ppb | 80 | Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer |
Radionucliides in McHenry IL Drinking Water
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 | 0.313 – 0.99 | 0pCi/L | 15 | Increased risk of cancer |
| Combined Radium | 1.09 – 1.3 | 0pCi/L | 5 | Increased risk of cancer |
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.