Elmhurst Water Quality Sparks Discussion

ELMHURST, IL — An Elmhurst resident sparked a discussion about local water quality over the weekend, asking whether others find golden brown residue building up in their toilet bowls. In response, other commenters split on whether they deal with the same problem.

"It's almost like limescale. Before you get judgmental, yes, I do clean my toilets, two to three times a week," Jennifer Irby said in her Facebook post on Elmhurst, IL News and Comment. "We have replaced most all of the plumbing in our house, so old pipes should not be the cause. What's going on?"

Another woman was among several who said they experienced the same issue.

"I live just north of the train station in the city. I asked a plumber to look at it one day when he was here for another situation," the woman said. "I can't recall now what he said causes it, but he said it was nothing to worry about. So I keep it as clean as I possibly can, but the rust deep down where the really narrow part is situated can't come off. I've tried everything."

Patch asked the city about the issue. Public Works Director Howard Killian said the residue may be the result of one of a number of factors.

"This can range from sediment from a recently used hydrant to a water main break," Killian said in an email. "Any plumbing work in the home, routine water work in the area, improperly maintained water softeners or infrequently used or cleaned toilets can also contribute to this issue."

The director urged residents to contact the city if they have questions about water quality. A detailed water quality report can be found on the city's website.

In its annual report earlier this year, the city said its compliance with all state and federal drinking water laws was "exemplary." The city reported no water quality violations in 2018.

Elmhurst gets its water from Lake Michigan, purchased from the Elmhurst-based DuPage Water Commission. The commission, in turn, buys the water from Chicago. The report says Lake Michigan water is of "exceptionally high quality."