Struggling with hard water in Chicago, IL? Angel Water understands the specific water challenges faced by residents here. Our high-quality water softening systems are designed to eliminate excess calcium and magnesium, providing soft, clean water for your home or business. With over 50 years of experience in the water treatment industry, we are dedicated to enhancing your water quality and ensuring your complete satisfaction. So, if you need water filtration equipment and supplies or the services that go with them, please don’t hesitate to stop in or reach out.
Water Softener Companies in Chicago, IL
Quick Start Guide for Solving Chicago Water Issues
- Reach Out – Call or submit a form to learn more and schedule an appointment.
- Water Testing – We’ll come to your home to test your water to understand your water problems.
- Discuss Our Findings – Learn what’s lurking in your family’s water and have your questions answered.
- Recommend Solutions – Our water expert will recommend equipment to remedy your home’s unique issues.
- Execute Your Clean Water Plan – We’ll install and maintain the water quality equipment needed to address your water issues.
Local Water Problems in Chicago, IL
Chicago is among the largest cities in America, famed for its bold architecture and with an awe-inspiring skyline. A hustling hub of excitement and culture, Chicago residents are never short on things to do. Immerse yourself in culture at The Art Institute of Chicago or interact with science at the Museum of Science and Industry. If you’re feeling like something more laid back, you can attend a free open-air concert at Millennium Park or spend a day of family fun at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Unfortunately, Chicago is also home to some local water problems…
Where Does Chicago Water Come From?
The City of Chicago Water Department gets its water from Lake Michigan. It treats the water at two of the largest water processing plants in the world: the Jardine Water Purification Plant and the Sawyer Water Purification Plant. Both facilities use a set of filters and chemicals to eliminate debris and impurities from the water system. However, this mass processing technique doesn’t remove several harmful pollutants.
That said, the Chicago water system is impressive in its output. It services the city’s 2,700,000 residents. According to Chicago.gov, the city processes over a billion gallons of water each day. This water is used by homes and businesses throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
Chicago tests its water systems 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. It also publishes an annual Comprehensive Chemical Analysis that shows the chemical levels of the water for each quarter. The city ensures that its water exceeds the standards set forth by both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Illinois Pollution Control Board. However, these regulators are basing their standards on the outdated Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974.
Does Chicago Have Hard Water?
Chicago water is hard. Water is considered hard when it contains 7-10.5 grains per gallon (gpg) of minerals like calcium and magnesium. According to CHI311, Chicago’s water averages between 7.6-8.8 gpg.
This often forces Chicago residents to deal with the many unpleasant symptoms that come with hard water, which can include:
- Unsightly brown stains in toilet bowls
- Dry and dull hair after washing
- Itchy, dried-out skin after bathing
- Dull and discolored clothes
- Low water pressure throughout the home
To combat these symptoms, we recommend installing a water softener to remove the calcium and magnesium minerals from the water. You can learn more about water softeners below.
What’s in Chicago drinking water?
A recent review from the EWG reveals alarming levels of multiple contaminants in Chicago water. While these levels comply with the standards set by the EPA, compliant and safe are not the same thing. The EPA’s standards haven’t been changed since the 1990s, making them very outdated. We feel much more confident in the updated standards used by the EWG.
Chicago has numerous pollutants that exceed the EWG’s health and safety guidelines. You can view the results for these contaminants on the chart to the right and learn more about each of them below.
| CONTAMINANT | TOTAL |
EWG RECOMMENDED
|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) | 19.1 ppb | 0.06 ppb |
| Hexavalent Chromium | 0.194 ppb | 0.02 ppb |
| Nitrate and nitrite | 0.346 ppb | 0.14 ppb |
| Radium 226/228 | 0.67 pCi/L | 0.05 pCi/L |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 21.1 ppb | 0.15 ppb |
Below is additional information on these and other contaminants found in Chicago water.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA9)
Haloacetic Acids are a byproduct of disinfecting water with chlorine and other products. Chlorine is a naturally occurring element but is unsafe for consumption after a certain limit.
All nine acids that make up HAA9 carry severe health risks, including cancer and prenatal complications. These acids are also genotoxic, meaning they can damage DNA and cause mutations when ingested at high enough volumes.
The EWG categorizes HAA9 as a group and individually. The acids within HAA9 that also exceeded EWG guidelines include:
- Dibromoacetic acid – 16x the health guideline
- Dichloroacetic acid – 26x the health guideline
- Trichloroacetic acid – 45x the health guideline
Monobromoacetic acid is the only additional Haloacetic Acid found in the EWG’s report that did not exceed its health guidelines.
Hexavalent Chromium
Also shown as chromium-6, this contaminant has carcinogenic properties and is common in American drinking water because of industrial runoff. It’s also odorless and tasteless, making it undetectable for homeowners.
Chromium-6 is highly toxic and is known to cause the following health problems:
- Increased risk of developing stomach cancer
- Delays in bone development
- Damage to the liver and reproductive system
You may be familiar with hexavalent chromium from the award-winning film, Erin Brockovich, which is based on actual events. Still to this day we’re fighting for greater public water standards to prevent stories like this from being our reality.
Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrate and nitrite make their way into public drinking water through fertilizer, urban runoff and septic tanks. These two contaminants are known to cause cancer and harm to fetuses and children. Nitrite is a much more harmful toxin compared to nitrate.
Radium 226/228
Radium 226/228 occurs naturally in groundwater sources and can be produced by gas and oil extraction methods, like hydraulic fracturing. It can cause cancer since it’s a radioactive element. The primary side effect of over-exposure to radium is bone cancer, but it can also cause other types of cancer.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
The total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are contaminants also known to cause cancer. There are four elements included in the TTHMs: bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane. The TTHMs develop in water systems as a result of chlorine and other disinfectants being used to purify the water.
The EWG’s examination of Chicago water found that the amount of total trihalomethanes was 141x greater than their standards. Individual levels of TTHMs that exceeded EWG standards include:
- Bromodichloromethane – 123x the health guideline
- Chloroform – 24x the health guideline
- Dibromochloromethane – 42x the health guideline
The EWG also reports that bromoform was also found in Chicago public water but not at a level that exceeded its health standards.
Other Contaminants Detected
In addition to the above contaminants, the EWG reports detecting these impurities in Chicago water:
- 4-Androstene-3,17-dione
- Barium
- Chromium (total)
- Fluoride
- Molybdenum
- Strontium
- Testosterone
- Vanadium
None of these pollutants exceed the levels set forth by the EWG. However, they are still important to be aware of since many of them have been known to cause serious health risks.
For more information on the contaminants found in Chicago city water, we encourage you to visit the EWG’s Chicago page.
Water Softener Installation in Chicago, IL
At Angel Water, our licensed plumbers are dedicated to ensuring your family’s safety by adhering to all Illinois plumbing regulations. We handle each installation with the utmost precision, as any lapses in plumbing can lead to the introduction of harmful bacteria, viruses and other contaminants into your home’s drinking water, thereby posing a risk to your loved ones. We take every precaution, and we believe you should too!
Water Softeners in Chicago, IL
Water softeners are available in various sizes, brands and models, including those with advanced options, to address the specific needs of every home in Chicago. Whether your water source is city supply or well water, Angel Water provides tailored solutions to meet your home’s water-softening requirements. For our Chicago customers, we particularly recommend the PurASoft ERRC3702, known for its exceptional reliability and performance.
Reverse Osmosis Systems in Chicago, IL
Our reverse osmosis systems in Chicago are engineered to safeguard your home’s drinking water from dangerous contaminants such as cyanide, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium. Many of our advanced RO systems feature carbon filters that enhance the taste and smell of tap water, making it more appealing and encouraging you to drink more frequently.
Chlorine Injection in Chicago, IL
A chlorine injection system is highly effective in tackling common issues with tap water, such as unpleasant odors and sour tastes. It works by eliminating bacteria and oxidizing toxins, thereby improving both the smell and taste of your well water. Moreover, a chlorinator helps safeguard your home’s plumbing and supports your family’s health by ensuring consistently high water quality.
Whole House Filters in Chicago, IL
Whole-house filters in Chicago offer an all-encompassing solution by purifying every drop of water in your home. This comprehensive filtration improves the quality of your drinking water and addresses common household problems like chlorine odors, metallic tastes and stained or faded clothing.
Sump Pumps and Battery Backups in Chicago, IL
We offer sump pumps and battery backups to safeguard your Chicago home’s basement from flooding and water damage. Without proper protection, basement water damage can cause serious health and structural issues, such as respiratory problems, severe allergies, mold growth and foundation cracks. At Angel Water, we are committed to protecting your family and property with these reliable solutions.
Water Heaters in Chicago, IL
If you’re experiencing cold showers, escalating energy bills or low water pressure for no obvious reason, your water heater could be at fault. Fortunately, Angel Water provides a range of electric and gas water heaters from leading brands tailored to accommodate the needs of families and homes of all sizes and water consumption levels.
Alkaline Water in Chicago, IL
Many Chicago residents consider maintaining the body’s pH balance essential for overall health, as an excessively acidic blood pH can contribute to various health problems. To support this, Angel Water provides an Alkaline/Remineralizing System that can be seamlessly added as an upgrade to your current reverse osmosis system.
Water Softener Maintenance in Chicago, IL
Regular maintenance of your water softener is crucial for maintaining consistent protection for your home and family. During these service visits, we address common issues such as leaks, proper salt usage and low water pressure. By staying proactive with maintenance, you ensure that your water softener operates efficiently and has a longer lifespan, ultimately maximizing your return on investment.
Water Testing in Chicago, IL
Are you aware of the toxins or contaminants that might be present in your home’s water? The only way to determine this with certainty is through water testing directly from your faucet. City water reports are often conducted at the street level and might not account for any contamination that could occur in the pipes between the street and your faucet. If you use well water, it’s even more crucial to test it yourself, as there are no regulatory agencies overseeing its quality. Ensuring the safety of your water is ultimately your responsibility.
Plumbing Services in Chicago, IL
In Illinois, water filtration equipment must be installed by licensed plumbers, and Angel Water adheres strictly to this regulation. We prioritize your family’s health and are fully aware of the risks linked to improper plumbing practices.
Why Choose Angel Water?
Expertise:
Over 50 years of experience in resolving water quality issues.
Advanced Technology:
Our water softeners use the latest technology for efficient operation.
Customer Satisfaction:
Free water analysis and customized solutions tailored to your needs.
Qualified Professionals:
IDPH Licensed Plumbers in Illinois ensure high-quality service and regulatory compliance.
Highly Rated:
Over 1,000 5-star ratings on Google demonstrate our commitment to excellent service.
Licensed Plumbing Company:
The only water softening company in Illinois that is also a licensed plumbing company.
Lifetime Warranty:
The only company offering a lifetime warranty on our ERR-3700 series filters.
A+ BBB Rating:
An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau shows our commitment to quality service.
Learn More About Water Quality in Chicago, IL
Angel Water is dedicated to keeping our customers informed about the latest news and information surrounding local water quality, the equipment that treats it and related topics. If you want to learn more about water, check out our extensive resource library. You’ll find videos, blogs, FAQs and much more on these topics.
Water Softener Companies in Chicago, IL
Are you looking for top-notch water filtration equipment, water heaters or sump pumps and battery backups? Want to pair the best equipment with unrivaled customer service? Call Angel Water today at (847) 382-7800 or complete the contact form below to get started! We look forward to hearing from you!
