Reliable sources have reported that Winnetka, IL has a variety of contaminants in its drinking water. Recent studies (cited below) show high levels of toxins in Winnetka water, including chromium-6, nitrates, and trihalomethanes.
The results of this contamination can be devastating. Fortunately, a solution exists for Winnetka residents that can make their water healthier.
| Contaminant | Highest Detection Level |
Maximum Allowable
|
| Arsenic | 1 PPB | 10 PPB |
| Barium | 0.021 PPM | 2 PPM |
| Floride | 0.8 PPM | 4 PPM |
| Nitrate | 7.3 PPM | 10 PPM |
| Sodium | 8.1 PPM | – |
| Zinc | 0.009 PPM | 5 PPM |
| Chlorine | 1.0 PPM | 4 PPM |
| Haloacetic Acids | 1.9 PPM | 60 PPB |
| Trihalomethanes | 41 PPB | 80 PPB |
| Combined Radium | 0.837 PCI/L | 5 PCI/L |
Chromium-6 was not listed on the 2018 Winnetka water update. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an independent consumer advocacy group, published Winnetka’s Chromium levels at 0.158 parts per billion (ppb). This total is far higher than the public health goal of 0.02 ppb recommended by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
The Chicago Tribune reported more alarming test results. Their report showed that treated Lake Michigan water contains chromium-6 amounts at levels that are more than ten times higher than California’s adopted health standard. This water is supplied to seven million people in Chicago and its suburbs.
These results are alarming because of the significant health risk associated with chromium-6. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry published an article linking chromium-6 in drinking water to stomach cancer in humans and animals.
Winnetka’s 2018 Confidence Report found that the level for nitrates in Winnetka water was below the maximum allowable amount of 10 parts per million (ppm). However, this doesn’t mean that nitrates don’t pose a major health risk for Winnetka residents.
The National Institutes of Health studied more than 21,000 women who were exposed to high levels of nitrates in their public water supply for five or more years. The results reveal that exposure to nitrates at 5 ppm increased their risk of thyroid cancer. Winnetka’s 2018 Confidence Report shows these levels at 7.3 ppm.
Winnetka’s 2018 Confidence Report shows that trihalomethanes in the drinking water are under the maximum allowable amount of 80 ppb. Nevertheless, studies still show the levels are dangerously high.
According to a report from EWG, epidemiological studies have associated trihalomethane levels above 40 ppb with adverse health effects. Winnetka’s 2018 Confidence Report shows these levels at 41ppb.
Many scientists suspect trihalomethanes in drinking water may cause thousands of cases of bladder cancer every year. The contaminant can also cause colon and rectal cancer, birth defects, low birth weight, and miscarriages.
As you can see, the EPA can only do so much when it comes to keeping our water clean. Millions of Americans still ingest toxins every day because there are about 6,000 toxins that the EPA is still not regulating. The citizens of Winnetka, IL are no exception to this trend.
So, don’t wait for the government to protect your health for you!
We are helping to solve the Winnetka water problem by offering a variety of high-quality water filtration systems at reasonable prices. Each of our systems are NSF certified.
If you want to understand the quality of the water your family depends on everyday, contact us today. One of our representatives is standing by to help you schedule your free water test. We’ll send one of our local water expert to test the water at your tap and explain common problems and solutions for your specific water composition so that you can rest easy, knowing that your family is drinking the healthiest water possible.
