Where West Chicago’s Water Comes From
The City of West Chicago uses groundwater supplied by nine wells drilled into two different geological formations composed of sandstone and dolomite. Regular monitoring confirms that the City’s water supply remains safe for consumption, and no contamination has been detected.
Ongoing System Improvements
In addition to rigorous testing, the City continues to invest in maintaining and improving the water system. Efforts include:
• Rehabilitation of wells
• Replacement of aging water mains and service lines
• Routine valve and fire hydrant maintenance
• Annual leak detection surveys
• Inspection of new water infrastructure installed through development projects
These programs help ensure long-term reliability, operational efficiency, and high-quality drinking water for the community.
Important Drinking Water Information
Drinking water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through the ground, it can dissolve naturally occurring minerals and may pick up substances from human or animal activity.
To protect public health, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) establishes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants allowed in public drinking water systems, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes comparable standards for bottled water.
Infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water and should seek advice from their healthcare providers if they have specific health concerns.
For more information, contact the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Lead and Drinking Water
West Chicago’s drinking water does not contain lead when it leaves the treatment plant. However, lead can enter drinking water through older household plumbing materials. The most effective way to eliminate the risk of lead exposure is to replace plumbing components that contain lead.
To help reduce potential exposure, residents are encouraged to:
• Run cold water for several minutes before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes
• Use a certified American National Standards Institute (ANSI) filter
• Consider testing household water if plumbing materials are unknown
In accordance with the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA), the City is required to annually publish an inventory of water service materials within its distribution system by April 15 of each year. In addition to maintaining this inventory, the City manages a long-term plan for replacing lead service lines.
