Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are reminding Illinois private well-owners to properly maintain their wells and recommend that they test their wells for potential contaminants.

"Testing for contaminants is a simple and effective way to ensure that private wells are safe and do not pose a health risk," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "We encourage all private well owners to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and everyone in their households."

"We tell well owners almost every day that testing is an essential part of protecting their drinking water and in being a good steward of their water supply," said Steven Wilson, groundwater hydrologist with the Illinois State Water Survey. "Being informed by understanding how your well works, where your water comes from, and how to take care of your water system is the best way to protect your family’s drinking water and health."

The ISWS houses the state’s well logs and provides support to well owners in Illinois to assist them in understanding their groundwater resources. For 128 years, the ISWS has provided science-based information, advice, and expertise to support Illinois citizens through applied research, data collection, and outreach to improve well safety and protect public health.

Potential contaminants in private wells include bacteria, nitrate/nitrite, metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

IDPH recommends testing for bacteria and nitrate/nitrite every year and testing for metals every 3 years. Most local health departments can provide well-owners with an affordable sampling kit for total coliforms and nitrate/nitrite testing. Commercial labs are available for metals testing.

"If contaminants are detected at certain levels, it may be necessary to install treatment systems or use alternate sources of water for drinking, cooking, and bathing," IDPH mentioned.

In addition to regular testing, well-owners are advised to inspect their wells annually to ensure they remain sealed and clear of debris. It is also important to maintain septic systems by following specific guidelines such as not disposing of kitchen grease or household chemicals in the sink and pumping septic tanks every three to five years.

Furthermore, ISWS recommends that well-owners keep a file for their well which includes information on well depth, service records, emergency instructions, and contact information for the local health department and drilling contractor.

IDPH and ISWS strongly encourage well-owners to participate in the Private Well Class program, which familiarizes well-owners with the basic science of wells and best practices to maintain their well and protect their water supply.

For more information on contaminant sources, health effects caused by well contaminants, and possible water treatment methods, well-owners can visit the Private Well Testing resources on the IDPH Toxicology Program webpage or contact the IDPH Toxicology Program directly.