QUESTION: Will the combination of heat and low flow cause the growth of more bacteria than the water treatment plants can handle ?

ANSWER: "The short answer is that the surface water treatment plants should be capable of handling increases in bacterial growth that may occur.Surface water treatment plants in Illinois must be designed, constructed, and operated such that water delivered to the public continuously meets physical, chemical and microbial standards. The Illinois EPA design standards take into account variations in water quality, including microbial contaminants as well as other contaminants. Surface water treatment plants must provide complete treatment including coagulation, clarification, filtration and continuous chlorination. Water being treated is monitored through the treatment process. The delivered water is routinely monitored for microbial quality (e.g. coliform bacteria); physical quality (e.g. turbidity); and regulated inorganic and organic chemicals. Also, each water supply is to retain the services of a properly qualified, certified operator in responsible charge of the treatment plant. Also, the plants are inspected routinely for conformance with the regulations and there are additional steps that are taken in the event that finished water quality does not meet the standards. This is a very brief summary of the drinking water program operations relative to the question and additional information can be provided if needed."

Roger Selburg, Manager
Division of Public Water Supplies
Illinois EPA