Schiller Woods magic water pump

[1][2] Some believe that the pump's water extends the life of anyone who drinks from it regularly, leading to the nickname "Chicago's fountain of youth".

[3][4] Compared to Chicago tap water, it has less copper and scant iron, with slightly higher pH and high levels of dissolved minerals.

[3][4] A Forest Preserve manager speculated in 1986 that the aquifer's heavy use may make its water less stagnant than that of similar pumps.

[3] In the 1950s, a Forest Preserve staff member stated that they believed the pump's water came from Lake Superior, but by the 1980s, officials began describing it simply as well-water from the aquifer below.

[5][7] The water, often described as holy, has been compared to that of Lourdes for its purported healing power, ability to confer strength, and contribution to a long life.