ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT

(WATER TESTING PERFORMED IN 2003)

City of Wood Dale
404 N. Wood Dale Road
Wood Dale, IL 60191

IL043-1200

Continuing our Commitment

Once again we proudly present our annual water quality report.  This edition covers all testing completed from January through December 2003.  We are pleased to tell you that our compliance with all state and federal drinking water laws remains exemplary.  As in the past, we are committed to delivering the best quality drinking water.  To that end, we remain vigilant in meeting the challenges of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all of our water users.

For more information about this report, or for any questions relating to your drinking water, please call Mr. Richard Colwell, Water Operations Supervisor, or Mr. Craig Wright, City Services Director at (630) 350-3542.


Community Participation

You are invited to participate in our public forum and voice your concerns about your drinking water.  We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 404 N. Wood Dale Road Wood Dale, Illinois

Where Does My Water Come From?

The City of Wood Dale has purchased treated Lake Michigan water from DuPage Water Commission since 1992.  Lake Michigan, by volume, is the second largest of the Great Lakes and is the only one totally located within the United States.  It is 307 miles long and 30 to 120 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 923 feet.  It serves as a source of drinking water and recreational activities.  The average daily water consumption for the City of Wood Dale is about 1.783 million gallons.  The City of Wood Dale maintains three back-up wells to be used in an emergency.

The Illinois EPA considers all surface water sources of community water supply to be susceptible to potential pollution problems.  The very nature of surface water allows contaminants to migrate into the intake with no protection only dilution.  This is the reason for mandatory treatment for all surface water supplies in Illinois.  Chicago's offshore intakes are located at a distance that shoreline impacts are not usually considered a factor on water quality.  At certain times of the year, however, the potential for contamination exists due to wet-weather flows and river reversals.  In addition, the placement of the crib structures may serve to attract waterfowl, gulls and terns that frequent the Great Lakes area, thereby concentrating fecal deposits at the intake and thus compromising the source water quality.  Conversely, the shore intakes are highly susceptible to storm water runoff, marinas and shoreline point sources due to the influx of groundwater to the lake.  Throughout history there have been extraordinary steps taken to assure a safe source of drinking water in the Chicagoland area.  From the building of the offshore cribs and the introduction of interceptor sewers to the lock-and-dam system of Chicago's waterways and the city's Lakefront Zoning Ordinance.  The city now looks to the recently created Department of the Water Management, Department of Environment and the MWRDGC to assure the safety of the city's water supply.  Also, water supply officials from Chicago are active members of the West Shore Water Producers Association. Coordination of water quality situations (i.e., spills, tanker leaks, exotic species, etc) and general lake conditions are frequently discussed during the association's quarterly meetings.  Also, Lake Michigan has a variety of organizations and associations that are currently working to either maintain or improve water quality.

Finally, one of the best ways to ensure a safe source of drinking water is to develop a program designed to protect the source water against potential contamination on the local level.  Since the predominant land use within Illinois' boundary of Lake Michigan watershed is urban, a majority of the watershed protection activities in this document are aimed at this purpose.  Citizens should be aware that everyday activities in an urban setting might have a negative impact on their source water.  Efforts should be made to improve awareness of storm water drains and their direct link to the lake within the identified local source water area.  A proven best management practice (BMP) for this purpose has been the identification and stenciling of storm water drains within a watershed.  Stenciling along with an educational component is necessary to keep the lake a safe and reliable source of drinking water.

Important Health Information

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

Substances That Might be in Drinking Water

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, U.S. EPA prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.  Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.  The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk.

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 can acquire naturally occurring minerals, in some cases, radioactive material; and substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.  Substances 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, or wildlife;

Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban stormwater 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 stormwater runoff, and residential uses;

Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems;

Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the U.S. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Information on the Internet

The U.S. EPA Office of Water (www.epa.gov/watrhome) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) web sites provide a substantial amount of information on many issues relating to water resources, water conservation and public health.  Also, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has a Web site (www.MADEP.epa.gov) that provides complete and current information on water issues in our own state.

Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation measures are an important first step in protecting our water supply.  Such measures not only save the supply of our source water, but can also save you money by reducing your water bill. Here are a few suggestions:

Conservation measures you can use inside your home include:

• Fix leaking faucets, pipes, toilets, etc.
• Replace old fixtures; install water-saving devices in faucets, toilets and appliances.
• Wash only full loads of laundry.
• Do not use the toilet for trash disposal.
• Take shorter showers.
• Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
• Soak dishes before washing.
• Run the dishwasher only when full.
  

You can conserve outdoors as well:

• Water the lawn and garden in the early morning or evening.
• Use mulch around plants and shrubs.
• Repair leaks in faucets and hoses.
• Use water-saving nozzles.
• Use water from a bucket to wash your car, and save the hose for rinsing.

Information on other ways that you can help conserve water can be found at www.epa.gov/safewater/publicoutreach/index.html.

Contamination from Cross-connections

Cross-connections that could contaminate drinking water distribution lines are a major concern.  A cross-connection is formed at any point where a drinking water line connects to equipment (boilers), systems containing chemicals (air conditioning systems, fire sprinkler systems, irrigation systems) or water sources of questionable quality.  Cross-connection contamination can occur when the pressure in the equipment or system is greater than the pressure inside the drinking water line (backpressure).  Contamination can also occur when the pressure in the drinking water line drops due to fairly routine occurrences (main breaks, heavy water demand) causing contaminants to be sucked out from the equipment and into the drinking water line (backsiphonage).

Outside water taps and garden hoses tend to be the most common sources of cross-connection contamination at home.  The garden hose creates a hazard when submerged in a swimming pool or when attached to a chemical sprayer for weed killing.  Garden hoses that are left lying on the ground may be contaminated by fertilizers, cesspools or garden chemicals.  Improperly installed valves in your toilet could also be a source of cross-connection contamination.

Community water supplies are continuously jeopardized by cross-connections unless appropriate valves, known as backflow prevention devices, are installed and maintained.  We have surveyed all industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities in the service area to make sure that all potential cross-connections are identified and eliminated or protected by a backflow preventer.  We also inspect and test each backflow preventer to make sure that it is providing maximum protection.

For more information, visit the Web site of the American Backflow Prevention Association for a discussion on current issues www.abpa.org

What Causes the Pink Stain on Bathroom Fixtures?

The reddish-pink color frequently noted in bathrooms on shower stalls, tubs, tile, toilets, sinks, toothbrush holders and on pets' water bowls is caused by the growth of the bacterium Serratia marcesens.  Serratia is commonly isolated from soil, water, plants, insects, and vertebrates (including man).  The bacteria can be introduced into the house through any of the above mentioned sources.  The bathroom provides a perfect environment (moist and warm) for bacteria to thrive.

The best solution to this problem is to continually clean and dry the involved surfaces to keep them free from bacteria.  Chlorine-based compounds work best, but keep in mind that abrasive cleaners may scratch fixtures, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth.  Chlorine bleach can be used periodically to disinfect the toilet and help to eliminate the occurrence of the pink residue.  Keeping bathtubs and sinks wiped down using a solution that contains chlorine will also help to minimize its occurrence.  Cleaning these surfaces with a solution that contains chlorine will also help to minimize the occurrence of pink residue.

Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water.

Sampling Results

During the past year the City of Chicago and the City of Wood Dale have taken hundreds of water samples in order to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic contaminants.  The table below shows only those contaminants that were detected in the water.  Although all of the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of the substance was present in the water.

City of Wood Dale - Regulated Substances

City of Chicago - Regulated Substances

City of Wood Dale - Lead and Copper
(Tap water samples were collected from 30 homes in the service area)

Footnote for Turbidity

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water.  We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.  During the reporting year, a minimum of n/a% of all samples taken to measure turbidity met water quality standards.

Special Footnote for Year Sampled:

The state requires us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentrations of these substances do not change frequently.  In these cases, the most recent sample data are included, along with the year in which the sample was taken.

Table Definitions

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

MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.  There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health.  MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.

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.

NA: Not applicable

ND: Not detected

TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter).

ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter).

NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): Measurement of the clarity, or turbidity, of water.