Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Champaign?
Yes, Champaign's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Champaign has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Champaign's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Champaign's water utility, Il American-Champaign, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Il American-Champaign water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Champaign Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Champaign tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Champaign's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Champaign Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Il American-Champaign for Champaign in Illinois. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Champaign Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Champaign water system, Il American-Champaign, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.007 mg/L of lead in Champaign water. This is 46.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Champaign contained more lead.
While Champaign water testing may have found 0.007 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Champaign Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Chanute Air Force Base - near Champaign with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Champaign has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
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| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
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| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
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| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
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| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
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For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Champaign Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | IAWC 1406 CARDINAL COURT URBANA, IL, 61801 |
Existing customers can login to their Il American-Champaign account to pay their Champaign water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Il American-Champaign bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Champaign water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Champaign water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Champaign means you will often need to put the water in your name with Il American-Champaign. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Champaign means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Il American-Champaign. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.5 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Champaign, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Champaign Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Champaign's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020 Annual
CHAMPAIGN
PWS ID IL0195300
- message from Illinois American Water’s President
JUSTIN LADNER
President, Illinois American Water
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Dear Illinois American Water Customer,
Having access to safe, reliable water service is something that can be easily taken for granted. At Illinois American Water, it’s our top priority.
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am pleased to share with you our 2020 Consumer Confidence Report, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees. As you read through this annual water quality information, you will see that we continue to supply
high-quality drinking water service to keep your life flowing.
We monitor and test your water at multiple points throughout our process of drawing it from its source, treating it to meet drinking water standards, and distributing it through our pipeline systems. In fact, we test for about 100 regulated contaminants as required by state and federal drinking water standards.
QUALITY: We take water quality so seriously that 7 of our water treatment plants have been nationally recognized with Directors Awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Partnership for Safe Water program for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. We remain committed to protecting our sources of drinking water. We utilize advanced technology and detection methods that are paving the way for source water protection across the country.
SERVICE: Last year, we invested approximately $187 million to upgrade our water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems in the communities we serve. These investments allowed us to improve water quality, water pressure, system security and service reliability for our customers.
VALUE: While costs to provide water service continue to increase across the country, our investments help us
We hope our commitment to you and our passion for water shines through in this report detailing the source and quality of your drinking water in 2020. We will continue to work to keep your life flowing – today, tomorrow and for future generations.
Proud to be your local water service provider,
Justin Ladner
Illinois American Water
This report contains important information about your drinking water. Translate it or speak with someone who understands it at
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422-2782,
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Once again, we proudly present our Annual Water Quality Report, also referredto as a Consumer ConfidenceReport (CCR). CCRs let consumers know what contaminants, if any, were detected in their drinking water as well as related potential health effects. CCRs also include details about whereyour water comes from and how it is treated. Additionally, they educate customers on what it takes to deliver safe drinking water and highlight the need to protect drinking water sources.
Illinois American Water is committed to delivering
A message from our President |
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What is a Consumer Confidence Report |
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Mark of Excellence |
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About Your Drinking Water Supply |
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What are the Sources of Contaminants? |
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Protecting Your Drinking Water Supply |
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About Lead |
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Important Information About Your Water |
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Water Quality Results |
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Definitions of Terms Used in Document |
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Water Quality Results: Detailed Charts |
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About Us |
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Contact Us |
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Just as Illinois American Water investsin research and testing, we also understand the importance of investing in the infrastructure that provides
invested more than $187 million to improve our water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems.
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WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM
The source of supplyfor the Champaign District is groundwater. Currently21 wells deliver water for treatment to two lime softening plants: the Mattis Ave Plant, located in Champaign, and the BradleyAve Plant, located West of Champaign. The wellsare primarily located in the Mahomet Sands Aquifer and supplies both plants. The wells range from 208 to 366 feet in depth and are protected from surface contaminationbygeologic barriers in the aquifers. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency(IEPA) has determined that Illinois American Water - Champaign wells are not susceptible to IOC, VOC, or SOC contamination. This determination is based on several criteria including monitoring conducted at the wells; monitoring conducted at the entry point to the distribution system; and the available hydrogeological data for the wells.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency(IEPA) has completed a source water assessment for the Champaign system anda copyis available upon request by calling Markesha Davis Supervisor of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance at
www.epa.gov/watersens e
DID YOU KNOW? that
Many common household leaks are quick to find and easy to fix. Worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads all are easily correctable and can save on your utility bill and water in your community.
Remember to look for the WaterSense label when purchasing plumbing products. WaterSense labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water.
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Report any spills, illegal dumping or suspicious activity to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.illinois.gov or (217)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about your water supply and local activities, visit us online at illinoisamwater.com.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Our priorityis to provide reliable, quality drinking water service for customers. The source of supply is an important part of that mission. We work to understand and reduce potential risks to your drinking water supply.
Here are a few of the efforts underway to protect our shared water resources:
Community Involvement: We have a proactive public outreach program to help spread the word andget people involved. This includes school education, contests, and other communityactivities. Environmental Grant Program: Each year, we fund projects that improve water resources in our local communities. Pharmaceutical Collection: We sponsor drop box locations across Illinois for residents to safelydispose of unwanted drugs for free. This helps keep pharmaceutical products from entering water supplies.
Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest: Open to third, fourth, and fifthgraders, the contest encourages students to use their artistic skills to express the importance of water service.
We alsotake a green approach to our operations. We recycle to reduce waste, use solar to generate power, partner with farmers to apply residuals and biosolids, and more.
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CHECK YOUR PLUMBING AND SERVICE LINE
If you live in an older home, consider having a licensed plumber check your plumbing for lead. If your service line is made of lead, and you’re planning to replace it, be sure to contact us at
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IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potentialhealth effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who haveundergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people shouldseek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriatemeans to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
If you have any questions, please call Illinois American Water’s Customer Service Center at (800)
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UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RULE (UCMR)
The EPA created the Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to assist them in determining the occurrenceof unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether new regulations are warranted. The first Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR1) testingwas completed in 2003 for a list of contaminants specifiedby the EPA. Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. UCMR2 testing was conducted between November 2008 and August 2009, and UCMR3 assessment monitoring was conducted between January 2013 and December 2016. The fourth list of contaminants to monitor as part of the UCMR was publishedby the EPA in December 2016. UCMR4 testing began in 2018and will continue until 2020. The results from the UCMR monitoring are reported directly to the EPA. The results of this monitoring are incorporated in the data tables in this report as appropriate. For more information, contact our Customer ServiceCenter at
PFAS Monitoring
PFAS refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of synthetic chemicals,manufactured for industrial applications and commercial household products such as:
carpets; firefighting foam and cleaning products. The properties that make these chemicals useful in so many of our
The science and regulation of PFAS and other contaminants is always evolving, and Illinois American Water strives to be a leader in research and development. PFAS contaminationis one of the most rapidly changing areas in the drinking water field. We have invested in our own independent research, as well as engaging with other experts in the field to understand PFAS occurrence in the environment. We are also actively assessing treatment technologies that can effectively remove PFAS from drinking water, because we believe that investment in research is critically important
to addressing this issue.
Illinois American Water is currently performing voluntary sampling to better understand certain occurrence of PFAS levels in drinking water sources. This testing allows us to understand how our water compares against the
for a combination of two PFAS compounds, PFOA and
PFOS. Testing also allows Illinois American Water to be better preparedif the USEPA or state environmental regulator develop a drinking water standard forthose PFAS for which
we have USEPA approved testing methods.
IL EPA established Health Advisory Levels forPFBS, PFHxS, PFOA, |
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and PFHxA on January 28, 2021. IL American Water will |
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provide customers with additional information on this as we proceed |
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moving forward. For more informationabout PFAS health advisories |
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WATER QUALITY STATEMENT
We are pleased to report that during calendar year 2020, the results of testing of your drinking water complied with all state and federal drinking water requirements.
For your information, we have compileda list in the table below showing the testing of your drinking water during 2020. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentration of the contaminants does not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.
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Remove?
Micromhos per centimeter pH
Primary Drinking Water Standard
TDS
TON
Variances and Exemptions N/A
Need to add Compliance Achieved Highest compliance result Level 1 assessment Level 2 assessment MREM per year
Range detected
Parts per Quadrillion PPQ ADD DEFINITIONS to DATA TABLE
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Illinois American Water conducts extensivemonitoring to determine if your water meets all water quality standards. The detections of our monitoring are reportedin the following tables. Whilemost monitoring was conducted in 2020, certain substances are monitoredless than once per year because the levels do not change frequently. For help with interpreting the tables below, see the “Definition of Terms Used in This Report” on the previous page.
HOW TO READ THIS TABLE (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)
- Starting with Substance (with units), read across.
- Year Sampled is usually in 2020, but may be a prior year.
- A Yes under Compliance Achieved means the amount of the substance met government requirements.
- MCLG/MRDLG is the goal level for that substance (this may be lower than what is allowed).
- MCL/MRDL/TT/Action Level shows the highest level of substance (contaminant)allowed.
- Highest, Lowest or Average Compliance Result represents the measured amount detected.
- Range tells the highest and lowest amounts measured.
- Typical Source tells where the substance usually originates.
Some unregulated substances are measured, but maximum contaminant levels have not been established by the government. These contaminants are shownfor your information.
NOTE: Regulated contaminants not listed in this table were not found in the treated water supply.
LEAD AND COPPER MONITORING PROGRAM - At least 50 tap water samples are collected at customers’ taps every3 years for Champaign,5 tap water samples
every 6 months for Sadorus, and 10 tap water samples everyyear for Sidney.
Substance |
Year Sampled |
Compliance |
MCLG |
Action Level |
90th Percentile |
No. of Homes |
Homes Above |
Typical Source |
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(with units) |
Achieved |
(AL) |
Sampled |
Action Level |
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Lead (ppb) |
2020 |
Yes |
0 |
15 |
1 |
71 |
1 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of |
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natural deposits. |
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0.574 |
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Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood |
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Copper (ppm) |
2020 |
Yes |
1.3 |
1.3 |
71 |
0 |
preservatives; Corrosion of household plumbing |
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systems. |
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DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS - Collected in the Distribution System
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest |
Range |
Typical Source |
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(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Compliance Result |
Detected |
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Total |
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Trihalomethanes |
2020 |
Yes |
NA |
80 |
72 |
34.8 to 101.8 |
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(TTHMs) (ppb) |
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Haloacetic Acids |
2020 |
Yes |
NA |
60 |
24 |
14.3 to 38.2 |
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(HAAs) (ppb) |
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NOTE: Compliance is based on the running annual average at each location. The Highest Compliance Result reflects the highest average at any location and the Range Detected reflects all samples from this year used to calculate the running annual average.
DISINFECTANTS - Collected in the Distribution System
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest |
Range |
Typical Source |
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(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Compliance Result |
Detected |
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Chlorine (ppm) |
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(Distribution |
2020 |
Yes |
MRDLG = 4 |
MRDL = 4 |
2.3 1 |
2 to 2 |
Water additive used to control microbes. |
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System) |
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1 - Data represents the highest monthly average of chlorine residuals measured throughout our distribution system.
REGULATED SUBSTANCES - Collected at the Treatment Plant
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest |
Range Detected |
Typical Source |
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(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Compliance Result |
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Arsenic (ppb) |
2018 |
Yes |
0 |
10 |
1 |
1 to 1 |
Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards, Runoff |
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from glass and electronics production wastes. |
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Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which |
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Fluoride (ppm) |
2018 |
Yes |
4 |
4.0 |
0.71 |
0.71 to 0.71 |
promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and |
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aluminum factories. |
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Combined |
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Radium |
2018 |
Yes |
0 |
5 |
1.512 |
1.512 to 1.512 |
Erosion of natural deposits. |
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226/228 (pCi/L) |
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Gross alpha |
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excluding radon |
2018 |
Yes |
0 |
15 |
1.24 |
1.24 to 1.24 |
Erosion of natural deposits. |
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and uranium |
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OTHER SUBSTANCES OF INTEREST - Collected at the Treatment Plant
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
Limit |
Highest Result |
Range |
Comments |
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(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Detected |
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Sodium (ppm) 1 |
2018 |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
40.5 |
40.5 to 40.5 |
Erosion from naturally occurring deposits. Used in water |
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softener regeneration. |
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1- For healthy individuals the sodium intake from water is not important because a much greater intake of sodium takes place from salt in the diet. However, sodium levels above the recommended upper limit may be of concern to individuals on a sodium restricted diet.
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RULE
Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is necessary. Every five years, the EPA issues a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored.
ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS OF INTEREST
Parameter |
Units |
Year |
Average Result |
Range Detected |
Typical Source |
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Total Haloacetic Acids |
ppb |
2019 |
24 |
17 to 30 |
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Total Haloacetic Acids - Br |
ppb |
2019 |
5.4 |
3.8 to 7.2 |
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Total Haloacetic |
ppb |
2019 |
28 |
21 to 37 |
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Manganese* |
ppb |
2019 |
4 |
ND to 19 |
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Essential dietary element. |
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* Manganese has a Secondary MCL of 50 ppb. |
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WATER INFORMATION SOURCES
Illinois American Water
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
United States Environmental Protection Agency
American Water Works Association
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
Safe Drinking Water Hotline:
Envirofacts
Access to U.S. environmental data https://www3.epa.gov/enviro
Surf Your Watershed
Locate your watershed and a host of information
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Contaminants
IL American - Champaign
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 141000
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Groundwater
- Total: 18
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Chlorate
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Molybdenum
- Monobromoacetic acid
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.