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Public notice regarding NIU water system

July 25, 2014

Water-supplyNorthern Illinois University is providing notice that university’s water system violated several drinking water compliance standards over the past year.  Although these violations did not present an immediate hazard, it is the university’s responsibility to inform all who live and work in and around the university who may have used the NIU drinking water supply during this period of these violations. In cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), NIU has worked to correct the situation and move forward in a manner that will assure full compliance.

While NIU draws its water supply from the City of DeKalb, the university provides treatment and filtration for the water supplied to campus. Thus, as a water authority, it is required to monitor drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis to ensure it meets health standards. During the period of October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2013, the required monitoring or testing for Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) and Trihalomethanes (TTHM) was not complete. Therefore, the quality of drinking water during that time cannot be verified.

To rectify the problem, new water samples were taken on July 8, 2014.  In addition, a new sample collector with a strong technical background and track record for adherence to public safety guidelines has been hired by the university.

For more information, please contact Joseph Hoiness at 815-753-1151 or by mail, Heating Plant, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill. 60115.