St. Charles Tap Water Quality Report
St. Charles's water has 5 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
ST. CHARLES WATER
People Served
3,825
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
May 3, 2024
Is St. Charles Tap Water Safe to Drink?
St. Charles's water has 5 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in St. Charles's water.
The data below shows test results from ST. CHARLES WATER SYSTEM, which serves 3,825 people in the St. Charles area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated May 3, 2024.
St. Charles Water Quality Test Results
Key Water Quality Metrics
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (5)
Gross Alpha (Excl. Radon and Uranium)
What is Gross Alpha (Excl. Radon and Uranium)?
Gross alpha activity is a measure of the total alpha particle activity in a water sample, excluding radon and uranium. It is used to assess the presence of radioactive contaminants in drinking water.
Health Effects
Exposure to high levels of alpha radiation can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the bones and other tissues where alpha particles can deposit energy.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Chlorine (Total)
What is Chlorine (Total)?
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for drinking.
Health Effects
Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting high levels of chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Radium 228
What is Radium 228?
Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.
Health Effects
Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Radium 226
What is Radium 226?
Radium-226 is a radioactive isotope of radium, which is a naturally occurring element found in uranium ores. It is a decay product of uranium-238 and is known for its radioactive properties, emitting alpha particles and gamma radiation.
Health Effects
Exposure to Radium-226 can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of bone cancer and other malignancies. It can accumulate in bones and tissues, leading to long-term health effects due to its radioactivity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Fluoride
What is Fluoride?
Naturally occurring mineral in the environment and an essential element of tooth enamel
Health Effects
Elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis in children, which is the discoloration and molting away of tooth enamel. Evidence on low-dose, chronic exposure to fluoride is not definitive but has been indicated as having potential neurological impacts. Studies have clearly established that long-term exposure to high doses of fluoride, higher than typically found in US drinking water, can have adverse effects on skeletal tissue (bones and teeth), which may cause higher risk of bone fractures in seniors. Skeletal fluorosis is a debilitating condition caused by high fluoride exposure during bone development in children.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for St. Charles
Based on St. Charles's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO401
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
11.48 gpd
Removes 15 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO301
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
11.48 gpd
Removes 15 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more
![CL10RO T/33[2]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F41pxMA2nbGL._AC_SY355_.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Omnipure Filter Co.
CL10RO T/33[2]
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1500 gal
Filter Life
5 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 3 contaminants:
Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total), Chlorine Dioxide
![K2586[4]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51a1ksQLAXL._AC_SY355_.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Omnipure Filter Co.
K2586[4]
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1250 gal
Filter Life
4 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 3 contaminants:
Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total), Chlorine Dioxide
Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing
With 5 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$369
Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.
SimpleLab
Standard Home Water Test
$232
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$636
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Charles Tap Water
St. Charles's water has 5 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in St. Charles's water.