Annual

Water
Quality
Report
Lake County Illinois Department of Public Works

Arden Shores Water Service Area

2020
Purpose and Background
This is the annual water quality report (or consumer confidence report) for the period of January 1 to
December 31, 2019. Each year we will issue this report to provide information about the quality of our
drinking water as well as details on the source of our water and what it contains. The reports are being
issued in compliance with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and are also intended to
demonstrate our commitment to providing a safe and reliable supply of drinking water.
This report gives you detailed information about the water system serving you. We recommend reading
the full report but the bottom line is that you water is safe despite the noted monitoring violations.
Your water is sourced from Lake Michigan and is delivered through a network of North Chicago and
County owned pipes. That water is tested extensively and fully meets all EPA standards.

The Water Source, Treatment and

Delivery System
The Arden Shores system receives its water supply from the City of North Chicago. The water is pumped
from Lake Michigan and treated at the North Chicago Water Plant located at 35 Lakeview Drive, North
Chicago. The Arden Shores distribution system includes 0.8 miles of water main.

Water Quality
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 potential health effects can be obtained by calling the US
Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency prescribes limits on the
amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same
protection for public health. Your tap water quality is consistently monitored by the County and by the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
Water quality is judged by comparing your water to USEPA benchmarks
for water quality. One such benchmark is called the Maximum
Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). The MCLG is the level of a contaminant
in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to
health. This goal allows for a margin of safety. Another benchmark is a
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). An MCL is the highest level of a
contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. An MCL is set as close to
an MCLG as feasible using the best available treatment technology. The
MCL and MCLG are established by the USEPA.

Public Participation… If you have any questions about this

report, or about your water system, please contact Austin
McFarlane at 847-377-7500 or by email to
[email protected]. You may also visit the Lake
County website at www.lakecountyil.gov to learn about
opportunities for public participation at County Board meetings
where decisions are made that affect drinking water quality. We
always like to hear from our customers.
 Source Water: North Chicago Contaminants Detected
Highest Range Viola- Sample Possible Source of
Compound (Units) Level of MCLG MCL
Detected Detection tion Date* Contaminant
Inorganic Contaminants

Barium (ppm) 0.019 0.019 - 0.019 2 2 N 2018 Erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride (ppm) 0.8 0.8 - 0.8 4.0 4.0 N 2018 Added for dental health

Nitrate as Nitrogen (ppm) 0.41 0.41 - 0.41 10 10 N 2018 Erosion of natural deposits

Sodium (ppm)1 10 10 - 10 NA NA N 2018 Erosion of natural deposits

System Water Contaminants Detected

Highest Range
Viola- Sample Possible Source of
Compound (Units) Level of MCLG MCL
tion Date* Contaminant
Detected Detection
Disinfectants & Disinfectant By-Products

MRDLG=4 MRDL=4 Water additive used to control

Chlorine (ppm) 1.3 0.79 - 2.20 N 2019 microbes

No goal for By-product of drinking water

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb) 33.00 33.0 - 33.0 the total 60 N 2019 chlorination

No goal for By-product of drinking water

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) (ppb) 50 50.0 - 50.0 the total 80 N 2019 chlorination

* Some contaminants are sampled less frequently than once a Understanding the Columns
year; as a result, not all contaminants were sampled during the
CCR calendar year. If any of these contaminants were detected Highest Level Found: Represents the highest sample result
the last time they were sampled, they are included in the table collected during the calendar year, unless otherwise noted.
along with the date that the detection occurred. Range of Detections: Represents the range of individual sample
1
There is not a state or federal MCL for sodium and sulfate. results, from lowest to highest that were collected during the
Sodium Monitoring is required to provide information to calendar year, unless otherwise noted.
consumers and health officials that are concerned about Sample Date: Will reflect the date the sample was most recently
sodium intake due to dietary precautions. analyzed.
Violation: Will indicate whether or not a violation occurred with
each contaminant that was detected.
Coliform Bacteria
Fecal Coliform
Total Coliform Total No. of
Maximum Highest or E.Coli
Maximum Positive E.Coli or Possible Source of
Contaminant Number of Maximum Violation
Contaminant Fecal Coliform Contamination
Level Goal Positive Contaminant
Level Samples
Level

1 positive Naturally present in the

0 0 0 0 N
monthly sample environment.

Lead and Copper

Compound 90th # of Sites Over Action Sample
MCLG Possible Source of Contamination
(Units) Percentile Action Level Level Date*

Erosion of natural deposits;

Copper (ppm) 0.358 0 1.3 1.3 2019
Corrosion of household plumbing.
Erosion of natural deposits;
Lead (ppb) <5 0 0 15 2019
Corrosion of household plumbing.

Definitions
AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if NA: Not applicable.
exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements. ND: Not detectable at testing limits.
LRAA (Locational Running Annual Average): The average of all NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): A measure of water
monthly or quarterly samples for the last year at specific clarity.
monitoring locations. pCi/L (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a ppb (parts per billion): Also referred to as micrograms per liter
contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. (µg/L). Equivalent to one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.
MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The contaminant ppm (parts per million): Also referred to as milligrams per liter
level. (mg/L). Equivalent to one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.
MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The highest RAA (running annual average): The average of all monthly or
level of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial quarterly samples for the last year at all the sample locations.
contaminants. TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to
MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal): The level reduce containment levels in drinking water.
of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known Source Water: Primary system/treatment facility that provides
or expected risk to health. drinking water (CLCJAWA).
mrem/yr: millirems per year. System Water: Water that is present within the operating
N: No. system (distribution pipes, reservoirs, tanks).

Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the Protection of drinking water is everyone’s
water system to identify potential problems and responsibility. You can help protect your community’s
determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have drinking water source in several ways:
been found in our water system.
• Eliminate excess use of lawn and garden fertilizers
Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very and pesticides, which contain hazardous chemicals
detailed study of the water system to identify potential
problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL that can reach your drinking water source
violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria • Pick up after your pets
have been found in our water.
• Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil
to a recycling center
 Este es un reporte importante sobre la calidad
de su agua. Si usted no cuenta con alguein que
pueda traducirle este reporte, llame al Lake
County Public Works al 847.377.7500 y con
mucho gusto le asistiremos.

Source Water Assessment: North Chicago Contaminant Sources in Drinking Water

Susceptibility is defined as the likelihood for the source Both tap and bottled water come from rivers, lakes,
water(s) of a public water system to be contaminated at streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water
concentrations that would pose a concern. The Illinois travels over the surface of land or through the ground,
EPA considers all surface water sources of community it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up
water supply to be susceptible to potential pollution substances resulting from the presence of animal or
problems. The very nature of surface water allows human activity. Contaminants that may be present in
contaminants to migrate into the intake with no untreated water include:
protection only dilution, which is the reason for • Microbial contaminants such as viruses and
mandatory treatment for all surface water supplies in bacteria can be naturally occurring or may come
Illinois. North Chicago’s 6,500-foot intake has a low
from sewage treatment plants, septic systems and
sensitivity and therefore has greater protection from
shoreline contaminates due to mixing and dilution. The livestock operations.
1,100-foot intake is moderately sensitive to potential • Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals
pollution, and although there are no potential sources can be naturally occurring or can result from urban
within North Chicago’s critical assessment zone, there stormwater runoff, wastewater discharges, oil or gas
are several within the immediate source water area. production, mining, or farming.
Shoreline contaminants in the vicinity of this intake are • Pesticides and herbicides come from sources
perceived as an immediate threat to the intake, the such as agricultural and residential stormwater
combination of the land use, the proximity of storm runoff.
sewer outfalls, Pettibone Creek and NSWRD pumping • Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic
station add to the susceptibility of this intake. However, and volatile organic compounds are by-products of
it should be stressed that treatment employed by North industrial processes and petroleum production but
Chicago is protective of their consumers, as noted by the can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater
facility’s finished water history. runoff and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants can be naturally
occurring or be the result of oil and gas
production and mining activities.
Important Health Information
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants
NOTE: Lake County is in full compliance with all State and in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-
Federal regulations governing the control of lead and compromised persons such as persons with cancer
copper within public drinking water supplies. If present, undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have
elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or
especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead other immune system disorders, some elderly, and
in drinking water is primarily from materials and infants can be particularly at risk from infections.
components associated with service lines and home These people should seek advice about drinking water
plumbing. Lake County Public Works is responsible for from their health care providers. The USEPA and
providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on
the variety of materials used in plumbing components. appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by
When your water has been sitting for several hours, you Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are
can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing available from the
your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water USEPA Safe Drinking
for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead Water Hotline at 1-800-
in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. 426-4791.
Information about lead in drinking water, testing
methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available
from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or
at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead