Darien

In 2017, your tap water met all USEPA and state health standards, continuing our tradition of quality service. This report summarizes the quality of water we provided last year, including information about water sources, composition, and comparison to regulatory standards.

We're committed to transparency because informed customers are our strongest allies. Este informe contiene información importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

The water used by DARIEN is purchased surface water from the City of Chicago, Illinois. We want our valued customers to stay informed about their water quality. You're welcome to attend any regularly scheduled meetings held at City Hall – dates and times are available at: http://www.darien.il.us/Government/MeetingDates.html. City Council Meetings typically occur on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:30 PM at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Rd.

Illinois EPA has completed a source water assessment for our supply. If you'd like this information, please visit City Hall or contact Water Operator Kris Throm at (630) 353-8105. You can access a summary of the Source Water Assessments at http://www.epa.state.il.us/cgibin/wp/swap-fact-sheets.pl.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least trace amounts of some contaminants, though this doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. Contaminants potentially present in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, wastewater, agriculture, or mining
• Pesticides and herbicides from various agricultural, urban, and residential sources
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from industrial activities

EPA regulations limit contaminants in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar protections for bottled water. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, cancer patients, transplant recipients, those with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants should seek advice from healthcare providers about drinking water safety.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. We cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, you can have your water tested. Information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. Why is my water cloudy or discolored? If your water appears unusual, has an odd smell or taste, this may indicate a potential issue with your water supply. To report concerns, please contact our office at 610-258-7181.
2. Is fluoride present in my water? Yes. Our municipal water is fluoridated to enhance dental health. The EPA has established a drinking water standard of 4 mg/L for fluoride with a secondary standard of 2 mg/L to prevent dental fluorosis. The water supplied to our customers maintains an average fluoride concentration of approximately 1 mg/L. Please refer to our Annual Water Quality Report for detailed information on fluoride levels.
3. Do I need a water softener? No. Darien Suburban Water Authority provides water with moderate hardness levels. Most households will not require water softening systems or additives.