Chicago Tap Water

[DrDave88]

hey kids -

I live in Elmhurst, 18 miles west of the city. I get lake michigan tap water and was wondering if anyone knew what the levels are in the water? i figure on getting a RO DI unit, but i am jsut trying to get all the facts together

 

[Anonymous]

I used to live in Chicago and the tap water quality is second only to those municipalities that have glacial melt. Anyway consider yourself lucky. A ban on detergents with phosphates since 1968 has helped to keep that type of water pollution minimized as well.

 

[whirley]

I live in Schaumburg, but don't know the quality of the water. I use a RO/Di Unit, just in case.

whirley

 

[AuroraDave]

Glad to hear from the locals. I live in Aurora and I too have City water. The quality is pretty good, but I use a RO anyway.

One thing to consider, at least in Aurora, the city does add and treat the city water. My water had traces of silicate and phosphate, but nothing crazy. If you call them, they will provide you with a lab report of the water contents.

I was given this tip years ago from a friend and got most of the info I needed after a few calls. It was hard finding the right person to speak with at first, but they directed me. They mail me an newsletter every year now with water data. I am not a chemist, so most of the info doesnt help. Good luck

Drop me an email if you want to trade sometime
Dave

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
I used to live in Evanston, and during the summer when the algea blooms in the lake, you can taste it in the tap water.

The water was much better than before, but I won't drink it without filtering it first. Just MHO.

 

[MarkO1]

Check with your local water utility. I believe that a lot of the testing results are public record. But take into consideration that the pipes leading to your house may affect those numbers.
My City publishes it's results:
http://www.ccrbuilder.com/1999/ccr629.htm
Chicago is here:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/Water/November2000.html

[ April 18, 2002: Message edited by: MarkO ]</p>
_________________
Mercedes G Class

 

[mhurley]

Hey there! I'm down in Darien and get Lake Michigan water too. Just last week I got a TDS meter because I want to start monitoring my RO/DI so I can know when to change filters. My tap water is testing at 226 ppm! That's seems to be a little on the high side, I've talked to a lot of people from different areas whose TDS is well below 200 and heard from a couple people whose is above 3 and 400.
I got water quality test results mailed to me from Darien, it's public record but I forgot how I went about getting it.