Chicago Park District Water Fountain Info
With the news breaking that the Chicago Park District is shutting off nearly half of its water fountains, CARA would like to share some information for local runners.
Water fountains in high traffic areas are expected to remain on. If the fountain is running constantly, this is to keep lead levels at federal limits. If the fountain works, but is not running constantly, no lead has been detected.
If a fountain is in a low traffic area, and lead was detected, it is being turned off to avoid the need to run the water continuously where low use is needed. Those fountains in high traffic areas, where lead was detected, are running continuously which the Park District reports allows for safe drinking water.
WBEZ has provided this simple guide:
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If you see a fountain still operating with a push-button, it means the park district detected no lead in its water.
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If you see a fountain running constantly, the fountain is likely located in a high-use area. Also, tests suggest lead levels can be kept under federal limits if the water’s left running.
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If you see a fountain that’s been shut off, lead has been detected in its water but it is located in a relatively low-use location. Officials say this will be the likely status of more than 500 fountains this season.
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The park district tracks each fountain's status. The list as of May 17, 2018, is HERE. Those listed as "Normal Operation" have working push-buttons. Not sure which park is which? Here's the district's list and map of parks and playlots.
CARA public hydration stations are open at various locations along the Lakefront Trail, as they are nearly year round. As the marathon training season begins, CARA will increase the number of hydration stations to as many as seven stations along the Lakefront Trail, as well as six trail head locations at suburban training sites. More details about CARA hydration locations will be on the CARA web site later this month.
Note: The CARA Trough (fountain) at Diversey runs constantly year-round due to its design as a freeze proof fountain. It's running is not related to the above.
