Grit in St. Charles Water? Check the Screen in Your Softener

What started as a simple question posed to St. Charles Patch via Facebook on Tuesday evening turned into a full-blown discussion of some grit one resident noticed in her water and ultimately led to an answer from the city.

Consider it an example of the utility, as it were, of social media.

The question was raised by an East Side resident living off Dunham Road, who sent a direct Facebook message to St. Charles Patch. The family has been experiencing grit in their tap water. “We had the problem all winter, with visible grit settling in the toilets, in the bottom of a filled sink when we wash dishes, and in the bottoms of glasses. Basically, anything that will hold water will have grit in it.”

She wondered if St. Charles Patch had heard anything similar from anyone else, so we posted her question on our Facebook page. And the conversation began, with some sharing similar concerns, others complaining about chlorine odors and others, including one on Dunham, saying they have no issues at all.

Ultimately, the city provided a very courteous response, inviting anyone with questions about the water to call the St. Charles Water Department at 630-377-4405. But the city also offered an explanation about the grit. “Most often this is caused by the screen in the water softener not working properly.”

Here’s what people were saying during the course of the day Wednesday:

Tracy Farrell-Stewart I've had the same problem, not to mention a very strong chlorine odor. Even my dog drinks bottled water. I live on12th ave.

Northern Illinois FireGround Photos Call a Lawyer ASAP. Thats Scary VERY

Heide Hansen Hughes We love off Dunham and haven't had an issue.

Shawn Duran Campbell Yes chlorine for sure!!!! It's nasty!!!

Shawn Duran Campbell Do we really need to contact a lawyer? Now I'm concerned! We don't always drink bottled water. Who can we turn too?

Jeff Fender What has the city told you???

Linda Davis we go through a lot of salt...or our glasses get etched

Linda Davis is this maybe connected to hydrant flushing just recently?

Krista Oleksiak Lipnisky I'm near Dunham too... Haven't seen this....but we do have our softer checked often...and use a lot of salt.

Bill Hughes Heide is that also where you live? Lol

Eric Rezendes I live in town off of 31. There's always stuff settling in the bottom of a glass of water.

City of St. Charles, Illinois Government If you live within the City limits, please feel free to contact the City of St. Charles Water Division at 630.377.4405 with your questions and we will be glad to help you. Most often this is caused by the screen in the water softener not working properly.

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