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Water Quality Report

Algonquin, IL

McHenry County · 30,700 residents · 1 water system

13

Contaminants detected

4

PFAS compounds

323

Hardness (mg/L)

1

Above legal limits

2

Above health guidelines

Algonquin drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 13 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, and 9 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Algonquin water. Water hardness is 323 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Algonquin water

Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.

Lead0.002 / 0.015 mg/L
13% of EPA limit
Nitrate1.5 / 10 mg/L
15% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.001 / 0.01 mg/L
10% of EPA limit
Copper1.6 / 1.3 mg/L
123% of EPA limit
Radium0.822 / 5 pCi/L
16% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes54.6 / 80 ug/L
68% of EPA limit
33% of EPA limit
Nickel0.00099 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Barium0.12 / 2 mg/L
6% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.47 / 4 mg/L
12% of EPA limit
Chromium (total)0.0012 / 0.1 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Phosphorus Total21 ug/L
Unregulated
Orthophosphate380 ug/L
Unregulated
PFAS (4 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in McHenry County

Water quality reports for nearby Illinois communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Algonquin, IL tap water safe to drink?
Algonquin tap water has 1 contaminant currently measured above EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels), and 2 above independent health guidelines. 13 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium. View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels, how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines, and what actions to take.
What contaminants are in Algonquin water?
Monitoring has detected 13 contaminants in Algonquin's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Barium, Fluoride, Chromium (total), Phosphorus Total, Orthophosphate. Additionally, 4 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 1 of these are above EPA legal limits. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Algonquin water have PFAS?
Yes. 4 PFAS compounds have been detected in Algonquin's water supply at trace levels. PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. The EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for several PFAS compounds. View the detailed report for specific concentrations.
Is Algonquin water hard?
Yes. Algonquin water has a hardness of 323 mg/L (very hard). Hard water is not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in water heaters and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave mineral deposits. Water softeners or conditioning systems can address hardness.
Where does Algonquin get its drinking water?
Algonquin's drinking water comes from groundwater wells that draw from underground aquifers. The water is treated and tested according to Illinois EPA and EPA requirements before distribution. Algonquin is served by one water system: ALGONQUIN.

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