Burr Ridge

In 2017, all water distributed by Burr Ridge originated from Lake Michigan. This lake water is treated by the City of Chicago and purchased through the Village of Bedford Park. Burr Ridge maintains three emergency standby wells that weren't utilized during 2017. These wells undergo regular testing and maintenance to ensure operational readiness for emergency situations only.

Lake Michigan serves as a surface water source supplying Chicago and over 125 suburban communities. It functions not only as a drinking water source but also as a recreational area for swimming, fishing, boating, and commercial shipping. For additional information about the community's source water assessment, visit the USGS website at http://usgs.gov, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/, or Chicago's Water Management Department at http://www.cityofchicago.org/WaterManagement/.

Drinking water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water travels over land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations restrict industrial and sewage treatment plant discharges into Lake Michigan, reducing contamination risks in the surface water supply. To ensure safe drinking water, the USEPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant amounts in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

All water, including bottled water, reasonably contains at least small amounts of certain contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the USEPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly, and infants—may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding drinking water safety.

INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN DRINKING WATER

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The water utility cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. When water sits unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, you may wish to have your water tested. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The Village of Burr Ridge assures all residents and consumers of the quality and safety of its public water system. Lead rarely occurs naturally in water sources like rivers and lakes, and is rarely present in water leaving treatment plants. It enters drinking water primarily through corrosion of components in water distribution systems and home plumbing containing lead.

Despite concerns about drinking water, the EPA notes that "the greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or inhaling lead paint chips or dust." Lead may enter drinking water when service pipes containing lead corrode, especially where water has high acidity or low mineral content. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder.

To protect against corrosion, Chicago adds orthophosphate during water treatment to increase pH and inhibit corrosion. This chemical forms a protective coating between the water and pipe material. In Flint, Michigan's situation, either no chemicals were added or insufficient amounts were used to prevent pipe corrosion.

Steps to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water:

• Flush your pipes before drinking. The longer water sits in pipes, the more lead it may contain. When water hasn't been used for six hours or longer, run cold water until it becomes as cold as possible. This may take 5-30 seconds if there's been recent use.

Frequently Asked Questions about Water Quality and Historic Districts

1. Won't it be more expensive to renovate a building in a historic district?
   • The application fees are modest and can only be increased through a supermajority City Council vote.
   • Unlike some other historic districts, our Commission does not review potentially expensive items such as hardscaping, outdoor lighting, gutters, shutters, foundations, and roofing materials.
   • The Commission does not review costly maintenance items like foundation replacement/repairs, re-roofing, exterior painting, and interior renovations.
   • The Commission permits composite materials on a case-by-case basis.
2. Will my home insurance rates increase automatically?
   • No. The ordinance does not require expensive replication insurance for exterior features.
   • Unlike other historic districts, high-cost replacement items such as slate roofs are not required.
3. Are there fines for violations?
   • As with zoning ordinances, fines exist for serious violations.
   • A no-cost appeal process is available with a 120-day resolution period.
   • Historically, property owners are rarely fined in our community.
4. Can I make my home more energy-efficient?
   • Window replacements are permitted with suitable alternatives at various price points.
   • The commission recommends reglazing and repairing historical windows when possible, as these with storm windows provide acceptable energy efficiency.
   • Solar collection devices are permitted if they don't permanently alter architectural features.
5. Can I expand my living space in a historic district?
   • Yes. Skylights that make attics usable are allowed.
   • Dormers that complement existing architecture are permitted.
   • Additions aren't more expensive simply because they're in a historic district.