Water Quality Testing
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulate public water systems. The DNR sets a strict monitoring schedule for the water utility that requires routine sampling for compliance with EPA and DNR limits on coliform bacteria, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and lead and copper. The Village also tests quarterly for arsenic at the two wells as part of the sewer utility’s requirements for treatment plant discharge.
Safe Drinking Water Results and Water Clarity
The Village’s water is consistently within EPA and DNR limits for safe drinking water, as shown in the annual Consumer Confidence Report posted on this page, below. It is hard water, meaning it has higher levels of calcium and magnesium. It tests low for iron at the two wells, where it enters the distribution system.
While the Village’s water complies with established requirements, there are residents who experience above-average issues with water clarity. The Village Board authorized more frequent hydrant flushing where there are dead ends in the water main and additional water sampling; and approved a neighborhood water quality survey on Lake Bluff Ct. and Franklin Dr. to research how changes in utility operations impact water clarity. The Village Board’s goal is to provide the best product possible for a system this size.
Neighborhood Survey
The Village coordinated with fourteen households on Lake Bluff Ct and Franklin Dr to track water clarity daily from June 24, 2024, to July 22, 2024. During that window, the Public Works department made several operational changes and conducted periodic hydrant flushing to determine which activities, if any, impacted water clarity. The Village received a total of 328 readings from those owners, with 99% reporting no discoloration to the water.
Distribution System Testing
One owner in the survey area that has experienced more frequent discoloration reported in mid‑November 2024 that water testing at the property indicated the presence of elevated arsenic. The Public Works department in response tested samples drawn from the two wells and from eight hydrants located in different parts of the Village. Water test results were in the normal range at the wells and seven hydrants, including the hydrant closest to the affected property. One hydrant in a different area of the village tested higher in arsenic, however. Since we know water is not entering the system at elevated levels, we are continuing with additional sampling of the distribution system to better define where and when these spikes occur and determine the actions necessary to address them.
The Village Board and staff will continue to research these occurrences and any others that are reported. The quality and safety of public water is of primary importance to all of us. Please reach out if you experience an issue.
There are avenues for a homeowner to address arsenic at an individual property. A residential water treatment vendor could provide information on options for a private household system.
UPDATE 12/21/24. Since our public water is tested regularly for arsenic at the wells and is consistently lower than the water quality maximum limit, filtering the water for arsenic at the points of entry (i.e. the two wells) wouldn’t be effective. An option under consideration is ‘sequestration’ of arsenic in the distribution system. This means preventing the iron from binding the arsenic to another component so the Village could filter or precipitate the arsenic out of the water. Our vendor for water treatment has taken several water samples for testing and will use the results to provide option(s) to stabilize the system.
UPDATE 01/02/25. The water treatment vendor is working on its recommendation, consulting with chemists and adjusting options for our system specifications and water quality at entry. Internal discussions include considering an additive that will sequester iron, which would keep it soluble and inhibit the ability of arsenic to bind to it.
UPDATE 01/21/25. Village staff had a conference call last week with a team of technical application specialists from our water treatment vendor. The discussion included potential causes based on their test results and the design of our system. We’ll talk again after the next series of tests are complete, which should be in or before early February.
UPDATE 02/19/25. After two months of testing and meetings, the Village’s water treatment vendor believes a phosphate additive would slow the precipitation of iron in the system but not prevent the problem from happening again. Any future disturbance in the system–hydrant flushing, for example–would provide a new opportunity for arsenic to bind to the iron. There are options to remove arsenic at the two wells. While we explore other options, we are requesting pricing for a pilot study and equipment costs, and contacted our utility engineer for assistance with review and other related services. Deputy Director of Public Works Chris Jost has prepared a more detailed update on testing, planning, and filtering options. The Public Works department will continue to draw water samples weekly from representative hydrants throughout the village and test for arsenic to gauge the severity, frequency and potential problem areas; and to verify that arsenic levels in the distribution system remain at levels under the limits for safe drinking water.
This is not and can’t be a fast process. Whatever the option, there needs to be a study, engineering, DNR permitting, and PSC approvals; and possibly design, financing, bidding, and construction. Implementation of any change will take months, perhaps more than a year if it involves major construction. If you are concerned about the quality of your water now, we recommend contacting a residential water treatment provider to install a personal system for your home or business.
Stacy Grunwald
Director of Village Services
Consumer Confidence Report
Village employees work hard to maintain a safe and reliable water system, as evidenced by our monthly and annual reporting to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Consumer Confidence Report provides results of the water testing completed by independent laboratories on behalf of the Village. We are pleased to report water quality testing confirmed the safety of our water supply, as shown on the report.
2023 Consumer Confidence Report
Lead and Copper Rule Service Line Inventory
2024 LSL Inventory Report as of 01-23-25