IL American - Alton

What is a Water Quality Report? Illinois American Water publishes annual reports detailing your water quality in accordance with state and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulations. These reports aim to enhance understanding of water quality standards and raise awareness about protecting our vital water resources.

Our advanced laboratory in Belleville, Illinois conducts thousands of tests annually, monitoring water quality throughout the treatment and delivery process. In 2017, we tested for hundreds of potential contaminants, checking against federal and state maximum allowable levels.

Partnership for Safe Water Program: The Alton District voluntarily participates in the USEPA's Partnership For Safe Water, striving for operational excellence. In 2013, our facility received the prestigious Ten Year Director's Award for exceeding federal and state standards.

Source Water Information: Illinois EPA classifies all community surface water supplies as potentially vulnerable to contamination, requiring mandatory treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Our treatment facility draws from the Mississippi River, which faces agricultural, municipal, and industrial impacts. Comprehensive monitoring and treatment ensure high-quality water despite source variations.

Environmental Stewardship: We protect water resources through educational programs, community engagement, and conservation efforts. Our initiatives include school visits, our Mobile Education Center, STEM partnerships, community events, river cleanup projects, and our Environmental Grant Program which has awarded over $195,000 to water protection projects since 2009.

1. Why does my water appear milky or cloudy? This appearance typically results from air bubbles in the water, which pose no health risks. If you allow the water to sit, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If cloudiness persists, please contact us for investigation.
2. What causes spots on dishes? Spots develop from hard water minerals that remain after water evaporates. A dishwasher rinse agent can help remove these spots.
3. Should I purchase a water softener? Water hardness varies by source. The decision is largely aesthetic since hard water isn't harmful to health. Note that softeners typically increase sodium content, which may affect those on low-sodium diets.
4. Are home filtration units necessary? According to EPA guidelines, home treatment devices are rarely needed for health reasons. They're primarily used to improve aesthetic qualities of water. If you install one, follow manufacturer's maintenance instructions to prevent quality issues.
5. Why does my coffee have an oily appearance? Clean your coffee maker with vinegar and water as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. What causes hot water odors? The most common source is the water heater itself. If cold water smells fine, check your heater's temperature settings and maintenance schedule. Contact us if odors persist in both hot and cold water.
7. What causes water discoloration? Coloration typically comes from natural organic matter, minerals, or mineral buildup in pipes. We regularly flush our system to remove buildup and sediment. If you notice discoloration, run your faucets until clear and report the incident so we can investigate.
8. Is bottled water better than tap water? Both tap and bottled water providers must meet the same quality standards, though tap water undergoes more frequent testing and reporting. Some prefer bottled water's taste or choose it for specific health needs, but tap water is approximately 1,000 times more economical.
9. Why are some fire hydrants painted black? Black hydrants are non-functional or unavailable for fire suppression, typically providing less than 250 gallons per minute. We use them for system flushing to remove mineral buildup and ensure proper water circulation.
10. Why must water be disinfected? Disinfection prevents the spread of disease-causing germs. Before modern disinfection practices, waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery were common. Disinfection has dramatically improved water safety and public health.
11. Why does my water have a chlorine taste/odor? We disinfect water to eliminate harmful microorganisms. To reduce chlorine taste or odor, try refrigerating your water before drinking.
12. What causes dirt or sand in water? These particles can occur naturally in groundwater or appear after water line repairs. We minimize this through regular flushing, which improves quality by increasing water flow and removing sediment.
13. Why does water taste change seasonally? Water sources may change throughout the year based on availability. Surface water from rivers and lakes typically tastes slightly different than water from underground aquifers.