Palatine Water Company

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive material, while potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil and gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: Various agricultural sources, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining activities

All water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water to ensure public health protection. Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others, including immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants. These groups should seek specific advice from healthcare providers regarding water consumption.

1. Where does Palatine water come from?
   Palatine supplies purchased surface water to Palatine, Illinois.
2. Does Palatine test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Palatine must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Palatine?
   Call 847-358-7500 or visit 200 E. Wood Street, Palatine, IL 60067, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Palatine water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Palatine water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.