WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – A Western Springs official said this week the village did not want to cause any unnecessary alarm by informing the public about the presence of lithium in the local water supply.
At a Village Board meeting, Ron Derengowski, the water plant superintendent, said the village was following an EPA mandate to notify.
“Our water is safe to drink. It’s safe to use,” he said. “We are complying with all the standards.”
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The EPA identifies lithium as a “naturally occurring” metal that has numerous uses. It says lithium is found in cereal grains, leafy vegetables and root crops.
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The agency considers lithium an unregulated contaminant. It is collecting information nationwide to see whether lithium should be regulated, Derengowski said.
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Late last month, the village sent a mailer to residents about the lithium.
Derengowski said towns with deep wells such as Western Springs tend to find more lithium. Other area towns with lithium in their water systems are Lemont, Itasca, South Elgin, Lake Zurich, Barrington and Crest Hill, among others, he said.
This was the first time lithium was included in the required testing, Derengowski said.
“We will continue to monitor the progress and studies of lithium in the future and see what regulations and limits (the EPA) may enforce,” he said.
The village has more information about the issue on its website.
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