Throughout the water purification process, chemists and plant operators at the CWLP Water Purification Plant perform approximately 70 analytical tests on the purified water each day to ensure it meets or exceeds Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) standards for microbiological and chemical content. Many samples are also sent to the IEPA for chemical analysis. In this way the utility assures that the product leaving the Purification Plant will be of the highest possible quality.

Altogether the levels of about 150 different chemicals and water quality parameters are checked and the analytical results are compared to the maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed for chemicals by the IEPA. As of the most recent test dates, in all cases, chemical levels in Springfield's drinking water fell below the MCLs established by the IEPA.

Among the chemicals tested for are: alachlor, ammonia, arsenic, atrazine, barium, benzene, calcium, carbon tetrachloride, chlordane, chlorine, cyanide, DDT, heptachlor, iron, lead, lindane, magnesium, manganese, mercury, nickel, nitrate, selenium, sodium, sulfate, vinyl chloride, and zinc.

In spite of CWLP's efforts to produce pure, safe drinking water, Springfield's drinking water can be placed at risk by contaminants that "backflow" into the system from our customers' homes or businesses. It's up to all customers to take the necessary steps to protect our water supply from this type of problem by making sure their plumbing systems are equipped with working backflow prevention devices. For more information about backflow contamination and how you can help prevent it, see our online pamphlet below.
Protecting Against Backflow Contamination Pamphlet Take our 2018 Survey

Each spring, CWLP prepares a Water Quality Report for our customers detailing the results of drinking water tests performed during the preceding year. An announcement of the availability of the annual report is enclosed in the May or June billing envelopes of all customers who receive a CWLP bill. The report is available online or, upon request, in paper form to any CWLP water consumer. See our most recent Water Quality Reports online below.
WQR2013 WQR2014 WQR2015 WQR2016 WQR2017

To obtain a printed copy of the report by mail, call the Water Purification Plant, 217.757.8630, or email the Public Information Office at publicinformation@cwlp.com.

The Springfield Fire Department, in coordination with CWLP conducts annual testing of the fire hydrants to ensure each is operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Water can become discolored in service areas located in the vicinity of the hydrant tests.

If discoloration occurs or during testing to avoid issues, residents should run water from an outdoor hose connection preferably, or through an indoor tap, until the water turns clear. Clothes washing should be delayed until the tap water runs clear to avoid discoloration. In most instances, the water will clear in approximately five minutes.

For information on locations and times for the annual hydrant testing, residents may call the Springfield Fire Department at 788-8474. CWLP customers may call Water Dispatch at 789-2323 ext. 2 if discoloration persists or for any other questions on water quality.