West Cook News

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that Community Water Systems provide a Consumer Confidence Report, also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to the communities they serve. These reports must be distributed by July 1 each year. The report includes information about the source of Western Springs water, a summary of contamination risks, details on regulated and unregulated contaminants found in the drinking water, and additional legally required information.

The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report confirms that Western Springs' water meets all regulatory standards. This report and further water testing data are available on the Water Division pages of the Village website. Residents received a hard copy of the report on June 27.

For specific inquiries regarding water quality, Ron Derengowski, Water Plant Superintendent, can be contacted at 708-246-1800 ext. 214 or rderengowski@wsprings.com.

Supplementary information to the Consumer Confidence Report includes an assessment of Well #1 (WL 20628). Baxter and Woodman Consulting Engineers are evaluating whether this well should be abandoned. Factors under consideration include its proximity to the BSNF railway, the health of the shallow aquifer, maintenance costs for this emergency-only well with waste discharge, and higher contaminant levels noted in the 2024 report.

Regarding contaminants, lithium is highlighted as an unregulated substance without current EPA or FDA regulatory levels for drinking or bottled water. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), EPA monitors unregulated contaminants every five years through its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). Lithium was part of this year's UCMR 5 sampling along with other substances like PFAS.

"Lithium is a naturally occurring metal that has numerous commercial uses including as a main component of batteries," notes EPA documentation. It is also used pharmaceutically but lacks comprehensive data on health risks from lower-level exposure via drinking water. "Lithium cannot be removed by heating, boiling, or disinfecting water," states EPA guidance; however, ion exchange methods such as water softeners can reduce exposure.

Arsenic remains a regulated inorganic contaminant under Phase II/V Rules with an established standard set by EPA at 10 parts per billion (ppb) to protect against long-term exposure effects.

For more questions about these findings or general inquiries related to arsenic and lithium levels in local drinking water supplies, contact Ron Derengowski at his provided phone number or email address.