COMBAT FARM RUNOFF POLLUTION & SOIL EROSION IN ILLINOIS WATER WITH A WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
In early 2018, the Environmental Working Group released a new report about drinking water in the Midwest. The report stated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture was failing to uphold a farm bill provision about farm runoff pollution.
EXCESS AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF POLLUTION & SOIL IS AFFECTING THE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS THAT RELY ON ILLINOIS WATER
In 1985, farmers made a deal to prevent polluted farm runoff and soil erosion from harming Illinois water. Because these goals were not followed, the health of millions of Americans is now at risk due to poor water quality in Illinois. Residents in Illinois should invest in a water treatment system to sterilize their water from contaminants such as agricultural runoff pollution and soil erosion. We offer water systems such as water filtration systems, drinking water systems, UV disinfection systems, and water conditioners to homeowners in Illinois. We offer water purification systems in areas such as St. Charles, Batavia, Sugar Grove, Warrenville, Chicago, Elgin, Naperville, and Wheaton, Illinois. Contact a specialist at Prairie State Water Solutions to learn more about water systems and Illinois water issues.
Originally, the conservation plan worked well, helping reduce farm runoff on 100 million acres of land by as much as 40 percent. In return for reducing soil erosion and polluted water runoff, farmers were given billions of dollars in subsidies.
SATELLITE IMAGES SHOW FARM RUNOFF IS A GROWING ISSUE IN ILLINOIS
Recently, the Environmental Working Group used satellite photos to look at how highly erodible land was being managed in four different states in the Midwest: Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. They found that farm runoff and erosion were growing problems in each of them.
Small channels form when it starts to rain, taking water away from the fields. But they also bring along pollutants like fertilizers, sediment, and animal manure. These pollutants end up in aquifers, waterways, and the general Illinois water supply.
ADDING GRASS TO FARM FIELDS HELPS PREVENT POLLUTANTS FROM AFFECTING ILLINOIS DRINKING WATER
In some cases, it only takes a simple strip of grass to prevent the channels from polluting the agricultural runoff and Illinois water. Unfortunately, 60 percent of these channels are unprotected in the state of Illinois. The conservation agreement does not apply to certain lands, so 80 percent of the channels on these lands aren’t held to the same standards and expectations.
WATER QUALITY IS A GROWING ISSUE IN ILLINOIS
In Illinois, there are nearly 27 million acres of farmland. Unfortunately, much of this land is a major source of nitrate contamination for the state. Rural communities are especially vulnerable to health issues caused by Illinois water contamination. Illinois residents should invest in water treatment systems to avoid common health issues caused by water pollutants, such as sediment, animal manure, and fertilizers. We recommend investing in systems such as water filtration systems, drinking water systems, UV disinfection systems, and water conditioners to ensure your water is safe to utilize and digest for you or your family. Prairie State Water Solutions offers water treatment systems and water quality tests in various areas of Illinois, such as St. Charles, Batavia, Elburn, Warrenville, Chicago, Wheaton, Huntly, and Naperville.
RURAL AREAS OF ILLINOIS ARE AT THE HIGHEST RISK OF NITRATE WATER CONTAMINATION ISSUES
According to a report from the Prairie Rivers Network in Illinois, there are 172 public water systems that have exceeded safety standards for nitrates in the last 30 years. A total of 12 of the water systems have repeatedly failed these tests. This is especially a problem for smaller systems that serve populations smaller than 3,300 people. This leads to thoughts that smaller populations don’t have the proper resources to prevent or solve nitrate contamination issues.
EXCESS NITRATES IN ILLINOIS WATER MAY CONTRIBUTE TO BLUE BABY SYNDROME
BLUE BABY SYNDROME CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR BABIES WHO ARE EXPOSED TO NITRATES. AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, THE BABY’S SKIN TURNS BLUE AND THE PROBLEM AFFECTS HOW HEMOGLOBIN BINDS WITH THEIR OXYGEN SUPPLY. EXPOSURE TO THESE DANGEROUS NITRATES CAN LEAD TO RESPIRATORY DISTRESS AND EVEN DEATH.
ILLINOIS WATER POLLUTANTS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PROMOTE THYROID ISSUES, CANCER, & HEART ISSUES
Anyone who has long-term exposure to these elements in Illinois water can also develop thyroid problems. Nitrates potentially cause developmental issues, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. If the water is contaminated with trihalomethanes (TTHMs), it can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer.
In animal studies, scientists found that TTHMs were linked to kidney, liver, and intestinal issues as well. The same study found animals were more likely to have pregnancy complications like cardiovascular defects, low birth weight, miscarriage, and neural tube defects.
THE EFFECTS OF CONTAMINATED ILLINOIS WATER ARE NOT ALWAYS IMMEDIATE
Unfortunately, contaminated water may not always have unusual tastes, colors, or odors. It might not even cause immediate effects, with many not realizing they were harmed by contaminated water until receiving a medical diagnosis years later.
The health effects depend on current health and age of those who are exposed to contaminated Illinois water. Another leading factor is the type of contaminant. If you have been drinking the contaminated water for a longer period of time or even consumed a larger amount in a shorter amount of time, it will most likely cause worse effects. Homeowners in Illinois should invest in water treatment systems such as water filtration systems, drinking water systems, UV disinfection systems, and water conditioners to prevent medical and health issues. Prairie State Water Solutions offers water filtration systems and water tests to ensure your water is safe to consume and use. Contact a representative to learn more about water systems and services.
COLLABORATION WITH FARMERS IS ESSENTIAL TO REDUCE AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF POLLUTION & SOIL EROSION
The most obvious solution is to lead the charge and collaborate with Illinois farmers to reduce and eliminate farm runoff pollution and soil erosion. Requiring buffers and enacting simple solutions on farmland would remedy most of the Illinois water issues. But this type of solution requires the government to take action and enforce current Illinois laws, which can take months and even years to complete.
PROTECT YOUR ILLINOIS WATER WITH WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS & UV DISINFECTION SYSTEMS
Until landowners are required to follow current Illinois water quality rules, homeowners have to use alternative solutions for their homes. For many people, the easiest option is to install a water treatment system, such as water filtration systems, drinking water systems, UV disinfection systems, and water conditioners. With an efficient water treatment system, homeowners can ensure their water is clean and safe to drink. We offer water testing services to residents in areas such as St. Charles, Batavia, Sugar Grove, Warrenville, Chicago, Elgin, and Naperville, Illinois. Contact a specialist at Prairie State Water Solutions to order a water system or test.
ORDER A REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM TO TREAT YOUR ILLINOIS WATER
A reverse osmosis drinking water system is a popular option because it can filter out most contaminants. It can simply be added to your kitchen faucet. This technique works by using pressure to push water through a filtering membrane that stops and holds any unclean elements. We offer reliable and efficient drinking water systems for homes in areas such as St. Charles, Batavia, Aurora, Huntly, Sycamore, Wayne, Naperville, and Chicago, Illinois. Schedule a call with a specialist at Prairie State Waiter Solutions to learn more about reverse osmosis water systems.
REMOVE IRON & SULFUR FROM ILLINOIS WATER WITH A WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
Some water filtering systems use more specific techniques for iron and sulfur removal. Another option is to use a hydrogen peroxide or chlorine injection system to chemically treat the water. Once you have found the right water treatment system that fits your needs, you can avoid the health effects of contaminated Illinois drinking water.
Until the regulations change, Illinois residents will continue to have problems with contaminated drinking water. With 27 million acres of farmland, many areas of the state are already affected. Even metropolitan areas can be harmed as the farm runoff can travel from small channels into aquifers and major waterways.
SCHEDULE A WATER QUALITY TEST TO FIND A WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME
Initially, you can have a filtration company check the quality of your Illinois water to determine if it currently contains any contaminants. They can look at the results and figure out the right solution for your needs. These water tests can find common contaminants like calcium, magnesium, iron, sulfur, nitrates, and TTHMs.
To learn more about these effects and how you can help stop them with water treatment systems, please contact a representative at Prairie State Water Solutions.