Illinois tasks Lake Michigan with providing over half of its water supply. In addition, other groundwater sources and some surface water supplement the rest.
It may surprise you to hear that Illinois is quite populous. Large populations often impact water sources and Illinois is no exception. Industry, agriculture, and urban centers very close to the water supply result in frequent contamination issues.
Wastewater runoff is a major problem in the state, as are toxins found in groundwater supplies. Coupled with complex and at time dysfunctional water systems, Illinois finds itself using an aggressive water treatment plan.
While making the water safe, these treatments can have unpleasant side effects. Discolored and smelly water, hard water, and bad taste are all things that describe certain Illinois water supplies.
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Common Water Problems by City
Each city in the state has its own issues with contaminants and the treatment of them. While problems are unique, the outcomes are often quite similar.
City | Water Source | Common Problems | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
Chicago | Lake Michigan | Chemical Treatment Hard Water
| Foul Taste Dry Skin Bad Smell |
Aurora | Fox River
Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer | Organic Material
Hard Water | Bad Smell
Dry Skin |
Joliet | Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer | Hard Water | Dry Skin
Limescale Build-up |
Chicago
Like many other Illinois cities, Lake Michigan feeds the water needs of Chicagoans. Raw water enters the system through intakes and is then treated with chemicals like chlorine.
This treatment is necessary to produce a drinkable water supply. However, it is also strong smelling and often impacts the taste of the water as well.
Chicago is no stranger to hard water. Hard water can degrade plumbing, leave stains on fixtures, and cause physical effects like dry skin and hair.
This city uses a complex and aging supply system that often allows metals to infiltrate the water. While not considered unsafe, it can cause discoloration and staining if unchecked. Laundry can become stained if washed in discolored water.
Aurora
Aurora is one city that does not source its water directly from Lake Michigan. It uses the Fox River primarily and supplements that source by tapping an aquifer below the surface.
One issue that Aurora residents report on occasion is an unusual smell to the water. This is often attributed to organic material in the system.
Recent increases of algae blooms in the Fox River also contribute to water that has an odor. Efforts are being made to reduce the size and frequency of these blooms to minimize the impact on the water supply.
Water sourced from both the river and aquifer is treated at a facility before being dispersed. The water is considered hard water and can result in dry skin, limescale build-up, and decreasing efficiency in appliances.
Joliet
While not necessarily impactful on the water quality, the water supply for Joliet is teetering on drying up. Its primary source, the Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer is set to be depleted within the next 20 years.
This has led Joliet to consider other options like Lake Michigan, the Kankakee River, or the much-maligned Des Plaines River (considered to be poor quality). Once a new source is identified, new or different water supply problems will be apparent.
The residents of Joliet are currently faced with issues surrounding hard water. Given the subterranean, natural resource, a high volume of dissolved minerals is present.
This can lead to dry, itchy skin after bathing in the water. Limescale builds up causing stains, clogs, and other problems. Buildups can even lead to trouble with hater water heaters and other appliances.
Depending on the balance of minerals, water discoloration can occur. Using discolored water to wash clothing can lead to a permanent “tinting” of items.