Water CCR 2019Village of Buffalo Grove
2019 Water Quality
Consumer Confidence Report
Published on July 1, 2020
Consumer Confidence Report for Water Quality
January 1 through December 31, 2019 Published on July 1, 2020
Water National Primary Drinking Regulation Compliance
The Village of Buffalo Grove presents a summary of the quality of the water provided during the past year. The Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires the Village of Buffalo Grove, as a community water supplier, to issue
this annual “Consumer Confidence” report to customers. This report details where water comes from, what it
contains, and how it tests against the standards established by the Federal and State Environmental Protection Agencies.
We encourage public interest and participation in decisions affecting our water supply. The Board of Trustees meets on the
first and third Mondays of the month, at 7:30 pm, in the Village Hall at 50 Raupp Blvd.
Staff is happy to answer questions about water quality. Contact Dave Haisma, Superintendent of Water Operations at 847-
459-2545 between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Visit our website to view the CCR at www.vbg.org/ccr.
Water Source
All water delivered to the Village of Buffalo Grove by the Northwest Water Commission is surface water pumped from Lake
Michigan. The City of Evanston is the sole supplier of finished, treated water to the Commission. The City of Evanston pumps
and treats the lake water at their treatment plant. This plant provides conventional treatment (i.e. mixing, flocculation,
sedimentation and filtration) of the raw water from the lake to provide a finished high-quality water product.
The Commission purchases the finished water at the Evanston water plant and then transports it through a 60-inch water
transmission main to a 25 million gallon reservoir at the main pumping station. The Commission’s main pumping station, in
turn, pumps the finished water out into the Commission’s distribution system to the Village of Buffalo Grove’s four receiving
reservoirs.
The chlorine level of the finished water is monitored at each of the four receiving stations and, if necessary, additional
chlorine is added to protect against microbial contaminants before it is pumped into our distribution system.
Source Water Assessment
The Illinois EPA considers all surface water sources of community water supply to be susceptible to potential pollution
problems. The very nature of surface water allows contaminants to migrate into the intakes with no protection, only dilution,
which is the reason for mandatory treatment of all surface water supplies in Illinois. All three of Evanston’s intakes are located
far enough offshore that shoreline impacts are not considered a factor on water quality. However, at certain times of the year,
the potential for contamination exists due to the proximity of the North Shore Channel and wet weather flows. In addition, the
proximity to a major shipping lane adds to the susceptibility of these three intakes. Water supply officials from Evanston are
active members of the West Shore Water Producers Association. Coordination regarding water quality situations (i.e., spills,
tanker leaks, exotic species, etc.) is frequently discussed during the association’s quarterly meetings. Lake Michigan, as well
as all the great lakes, has many different organizations and associations that are currently working to either maintain or
improve the water quality.
Since the Illinois lands bounding the Lake Michigan watershed are predominantly urban, a majority of the watershed
protection activities reported in this document are aimed at this purpose.
Taste & Odor of the Water Supply
You may notice a taste or odor in the water during the late summer or early fall. This actually represents an improvement
in the clarity of Lake Michigan water. The lake has become clearer, allowing the sun to reach greater depths and increasing the
growth of algae. Certain types of algae emit ‘Geosmin’ and ‘2-MIB’, harmless compounds which nonetheless impart a musty or
earthy taste to the water. The City of Evanston Water Treatment Facility continues to address any taste and odor issues.
Required Health Information
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some
contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information
about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe
Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs,
and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and
radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants
that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or
domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
2019 Water Quality Report 2
Required Health Information (continued)
Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, storm water runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum
production, and can, also, come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, which can occur naturally, or as the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water
provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection
for public health.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than is the general population. Immuno-compromised persons
such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other
immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk for infections. These people should seek advice about drinking
water from their health care providers.
EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water
Hotline (800-426-4791).
Explanation of the Water Quality Data Table
This report is based upon the results of water samples collected by the City of Evanston and the Village of Buffalo Grove.
Water samples were analyzed by State Environmental Protection Agency Registered Laboratories based on regulatory sampling
requirements for some contaminants. Terms used in the Water-Quality Table and in other parts of this report are defined below
before each table.
Definitions: The following tables contain the following scientific terms and measures:
Level 1 Assessment: A level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if
possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment: A level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and
determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our
water system on multiple occasions.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as
close to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or
expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
mg /l: milligrams per liter or parts per million - or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.
ug /l: micrograms per liter or parts per billion - or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.
n/a: not applicable.
ppm: parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/l) one ounce in 7,350 Gallons of water.
ppb: parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (µg/l) one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.
ppt: parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter
ppq: parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter
pCi/l: picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based on running annual averages of monthly samples
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a drinking water disinfectant allowed in drinking water.
There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of drinking water disinfectant below which there is no
known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial
contaminants.
mrem: Millirems per year (a measure of radiation absorbed by the body)
MCL Statement: The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for TTHM and HAA is 80 ppb and 60 ppb Some people who drink
water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years experience problems with their livers, kidneys, or
central nervous systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer.
Note: The state requires monitoring of certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these
contaminants do not change frequently. Therefore, some of this data may be more than one year old. In most cases, the
“Detected level” column represents an average of sample result data collected during the CCR calendar year. The “Range”
column represents a range of individual sample results, from the lowest to the highest that were collected during the CCR
calendar year. If a date appears in the “Date Tested” column, the Illinois EPA requires monitoring for this contaminant less
than once per year because the concentrations do not frequently change. If no date appears in the column, monitoring for this
contaminant was conducted during the CCR calendar year.
Identification of Sampler
The first column of this report identifies the agency responsible for the results of water samples collected:
1 = Sampled by the Village of Buffalo Grove.
2 = Sampled by the City of Evanston.
It also denotes the substance detected.
2019 Water Quality Report 3
2019 Water Quality Report 4
Lead and Copper: Date Sampled: 09/2017, next test scheduled 2020
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are
responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing
components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing
your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water,
you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to
minimize, is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at https://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
Definitions:
Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements
which a water system must follow.
Action Level Goal (ALG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk
to health. ALGs allow for a margin of safety.
Regulated Contaminants Detected in 2019
Tested
by Substance Date
tested Unit
Goal
(MCL
G)
Highest
allowed
(MCL)
Detected
level
Range of
Level
Detected
Major sources Violation?
Lead & Copper
1 Lead 2017 Ppb 0
Action
Level
15
90%
4.2
1 site over
action
level
Corrosion of household
plumbing systems; Erosion
of natural deposits
NO
1 Copper 2017 Ppm 1.3 Action
Level 1.3
90%
0.067
0 sites
over
action
level
Corrosion of household
plumbing systems; Erosion
of natural deposits;
leaching from wood
preservatives
NO
Coliform
Bacteria
Tested
by
Maximum
Contaminant
Level Goal
Total
Coliform
Maximum
Contaminant
Level
Highest
No. of
positive
Fecal Coliform or E.Coli
Maximum Contaminant
Level
Total No. of
Positive E. Coli
or Fecal
Coliform
Samples
Likely Source of
Contamination
Violation
?
1 0
IF 5% of
monthly
samples are
positive
0
Fecal Coliform or E.Coli
MCL: If A routine sample
and a repeat sample are
total coliform positive and
one is also fecal coliform
or E. coli positive
0
Naturally present
in the
environment
NO
Regulated Contaminants Detected in 2019
Additional information about your water
2 Ph 2007 pH 7.8 7.6 Average Range
0 -14 pH
2 Hardness 2019 Mg/l as CaCO3 Minimum
.70 7.7 Average Range
n/a
2019 Water Quality Report 5
Disinfectants & Disinfection By-Products State Regulated
Tested
by Substance Date
tested Unit Goal
(MCLG)
Highest
allowed
(MCL)
Detected
level
Range of
Level
Detected
Likely Source of
Contamination Violation?
1
TTHMs [Total
Trihalo
methanes]
2019 Ppb n/a 80 47
21.7
—
69.60
By - product of
drinking water
disinfection.
NO
1 Total Haloactic
Acids (HAA5) 2019 Ppb n/a 60 15
7.95
—
22.60
By - product of
drinking water
disinfection.
NO
1 Chlorine 2019 Ppm MRDLG =
4
MRDL =
4 1
1.00
–
1.00
Water additive used
to control microbes. NO
Buffalo Grove Backup Well Sites, State Regulated Contaminants
Tested
by Inorganic Contaminants
1 Barium 2018 Ppm 2 2 .064
.037
—
.064
Discharge of drilling wastes;
Discharge from metal
refineries; Erosion of natural
1 Fluoride 2018 Ppm 4 4 1.15
1.03
–
1.15
Erosion of natural deposits;
Water additive which promotes
strong teeth; Discharge from
fertilizer and aluminum
factories
1 Iron 2018 Ppm n/a 1 .58 .40 — .70 Erosion of natural deposits
1 Manganese 2018 Ppb 150 150 9.7 7.70 — 9.70 Erosion of natural deposits
1 Sodium 2018 Ppm n/a n/a 23 19 – 23
Erosion of natural occurring
deposits: Used in water
softener regeneration
1 Zinc 2018 Ppm 5 5 .014 00 — .014 Natural occurring discharge
from metal factories
1 Selenium 2018 Ppm 50 50 2.20 00 — 2.20
Discharge from petroleum and
metal refineries; Erosion of
natural deposits; Discharge
from mines
Tested
by Substance Date
Tested Unit Goal
(MCLG)
Highest
allowed
(MCL)
Detected
level
Range of
Level
Detected
Likely Source of
Contamination
Violation
?
1 Ethylbenzene 2015 ppb 700 700 0.54 0 — 0.54 Discharge from petroleum
refineries. No
1 Xylenes 2015 ppm 10 10 0.001 0 —
0.0011
Discharge from petroleum
factories; Discharge from
chemical factories.
No
Buffalo Grove Backup Well Sites, Volatile Organic Contaminants
Radioactive Contaminants
Tested
by Substance Date
tested Unit Goal
(MCLG)
Highest
allowed
(MCL)
Detected
level
Range of
Level
Detected
Likely Source of
Contamination
Violation
?
1
Combined
Radium
226/228
2019 pCi/L 0 5 12.83 6.26
— 12.83
Erosion of natural deposits
Results over the MCL are
allowed by the EPA because this
is a back up water supply
NO
1
Gross
alpha
excluding
radon and
uranium
2019 pCi/l 0 15 25 14.6
— 25
Erosion of natural deposits
Results over the MCL are
allowed by the EPA because this
is a back up water supply
NO
1 Uranium 2013 Ug/L 0 30 .29949 .27863 —
.29949 Erosion of natural deposits NO
Buffalo Grove Backup Well Sites, State Regulated Contaminants
2019 Water Quality Report 6
Inorganic Contaminants State Regulated
Tested
by Substance Date
tested Unit Goal
(MCLG)
Highest
allowed
(MCL)
Detected
level
Range of
Level
Detected
Likely Source of
Contamination Violation?
2 Sodium 2019 Ppm n/a n/a 8.2 .1 — 8.2
Runoff and natural
erosion
Used in water softener
regeneration
NO
2 Fluoride 2018 Ppm 4 4 .7 .7 — .7 Fluoride is added to
promote dental health. NO
2
Nitrate
(measured
as
Nitrogen)
2019 Ppm 10 10 .3 .1 — .3
Runoff from fertilizer
use; Leaching from
Nitrogen; septic tanks,
sewage; Erosion of
natural deposits.
Discharge of drilling
wastes
NO
2 Barium 2019 Ppm 2000 2000 20 2. — 20
Discharge of drilling
wastes; Discharge
from metal refineries;
Erosion of natural
deposits
NO
2019 Water Quality Report 7
Radioactive Contaminants State Regulated
Tested
by Substance Date
tested Unit Goal
(MC
Highest
allowed
Detected
level
Range of
Level
Likely Source of
Contamination
Violation
?
2
Gross alpha
excluding radon
and uranium
1/16/
2014
pCi/
L 0 15 .36 .16 — .36 Erosion of natural
deposits NO
2
Combined
Radium
226/228 2019 pCi/
L 0 5 .99 .99 + —
.54
Erosion of natural
deposits NO
2 Radium 226 2019 n/a n/a .80 .80 + - .38 Erosion of natural
deposits NO
2 Radium 228 2019 n/a n/a .65 .19 + - .65 Erosion of natural
deposits NO
Turbidity
Tested by Date
Limit
(Treatment
Technique)
Level
Detected
Likely Source of
contamination Violation?
2 Highest single
measurement 2018 1 NTU .15 NTU Soil runoff NO
2 Lowest monthly
% meeting limit 2018 .3 NTU Soil runoff NO
Turbidity :
Regulated at the Water Treatment Plant - Information Statement: Turbidity is a measurement of the cloudiness of the water
caused by suspended particles. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality and the effectiveness of our filtra-
tion system and disinfectants.
Not all Regulated Contaminant sample results may have been used for calculating the highest level detected because some
results may be part of an evaluation to determine where compliance should occur in the future.
There is not a state or federal MCL for sodium. Monitoring is required to provide information to consumers and health officials
that are concerned about sodium intake due to dietary precautions. If you are on a sodium - restricted diet, you should consult
a physician about this level of sodium in the water.
Treatment Technique or TT: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water
Abbreviations: NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units used to measure cloudiness in drinking water
Total Organic Carbon: The percentage of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was measured each month and the system
met all TOC removal requirements set by IEPA.
UCMR4: What is the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issue a new
list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems (PWSs).
Tested By Substance Date Tested Units Level Found MRL Violation ?
2 Sulfate secondary STD of 250 ppm 2019 n/a 25 5.0 No
2 Cotinine (ppb) 2019 n/a .002 .001 No
2 Acesulfame-K (ppb) 2019 n/a .17 .010 No
2 Hexavalent Chromium (ppb) 2019 n/a .16 .02 No
1 Manganese Site PS 1 & SP 2 2019 Ug/l .454 & .642 .400 No
1 HAA9 Site Rt 22 & Dundee Rd. 2019 Ug/l 25.11 & 29.703 6.40 No
HAA9: includes Bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, dibromoacetic acid,
dichloroacetic, monobromoacetic, monochloroacetic, tribromoacetic and trichloroacetic acids
1 Manganese Site PS 6 & SP 7 2019 Ug/l 2.09 & .572 .400 No
2019 Water Quality Report 8
Village of Buffalo Grove 2019
Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report
NO VIOLATIONS WERE RECORDED FOR OUR WATER
SUPPLY DURING THIS CCR REPORTING PERIOD.
Violation Summary Table Violation Types
MNR: Monitoring Violation (failure to monitor)
MCL: Maximum Containment Level Violation (level found exceeded regulated standard)
TTV: Treatment Technique Violation (level found exceeded regulated standard)
RPV: Reporting Violation (failure to submit results/required report by the deadline)