Waukegan

Welcome to your Annual Water Quality Report covering January 1 through December 31, 2017. Your tap water met all USEPA and state health requirements. We're pleased to report our system had no contaminant level violations. This document summarizes essential information about your water source, treatment processes, and contents.

Water Source and Treatment: Waukegan draws water from Lake Michigan through specialized intakes. The water undergoes multiple treatment stages for your safety:

• Addition of aluminum sulfate and polymers to reduce turbidity
• Settling basin processing to remove particulates
• Filtration through natural media (gravel, sand, anthracite) to eliminate remaining particles
• Triple chlorine disinfection with continuous monitoring
• Addition of fluoride (state-mandated) and phosphate (for pipe protection)

Water Testing and Monitoring: Our facility conducts rigorous testing daily, 24/7, 365 days yearly. Beyond manual tests, we employ continuous monitoring systems checking turbidity every 3 seconds (over 94 million readings annually) and chlorine levels every 2.5 minutes. Our certified lab, together with EPA-approved facilities, tests for more than 100 potential contaminants including bacteria, radioactive compounds, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Despite concerns about PCBs near Waukegan Harbor, none have been detected in our municipal water.

Lead and Copper Information: Lead in drinking water typically comes from household plumbing or service lines rather than the water source. We add mixed phosphate to minimize leaching from plumbing materials. If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and young children. After water sits for several hours, consider flushing your tap for two minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. For concerns about lead, water testing information is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. Where does Canton residents' water come from?
   Canton Township purchases water from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), which operates Michigan's largest water system serving approximately 4 million people. Primary water sources are Lake Huron and the Detroit River. Raw water destined for Canton is drawn from a deep intake near Belle Isle, filtered and treated at Springwells water treatment plant, then pumped 128 feet uphill to Canton and neighboring communities.
2. What are the current water rates?
   The current rates are $5.96 per 1,000 gallons of water purchased and $6.87 per 1,000 gallons of sewage treated.
3. What should residents do during water emergencies?
   The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has established three public water warning notices:
   • Boil Water Notice - Bring all water to a boil for at least 3 minutes before using for drinking, ice-making, teeth-brushing, dishwashing, or food preparation.
   • Do Not Drink Notice - Do not use water for consumption purposes including drinking, cooking, ice-making, or teeth-brushing.
   • Do Not Use Water Notice - The most severe warning. Do not use water for any purpose, including bathing, toilet flushing, or lawn watering.
   For emergency questions, contact Canton's Public Works Division (734/397-1011) or MDEQ (800/292-4706).
4. How do DWSD water rates affect Canton?
   DWSD rates are based on annual forecasts using historical water usage data and estimated production and delivery costs. Rate calculations consider three factors: community usage/demand, distance from treatment plants, and community elevation relative to treatment facilities. In addition to DWSD costs, Canton has operational expenses for maintaining 380 miles of local distribution pipes, plus administrative costs for billing, meter reading, and infrastructure replacement.
5. What determines whether DWSD raises water rates?
   Weather significantly impacts DWSD revenue. Hot, dry periods increase suburban water usage and revenue, while cool, damp weather can cause shortfalls. Additional factors include system maintenance costs and capital improvement programs needed to meet current and future demands.