Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging private well owners to assess if they are near community water systems (CWS) with elevated levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). This recommendation follows testing by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA), which identified 47 CWS, along with 10 CWS having emergency connections, exhibiting PFAS levels exceeding groundwater quality standards.

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," have been detected in the source water for these CWSs. Consequently, there may be increased PFAS levels in the groundwater supplying nearby private wells. IDPH advises well owners in affected areas to test their water through a private laboratory and consider installing carbon filters on faucets.

"The overwhelming majority of Illinois’s water systems do not show signs of elevated PFAS levels," stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "However, it is important for Illinois residents to know where and when elevated levels are present and to take appropriate steps to respond." The Division of Environmental Health at IDPH can assist private well owners by providing necessary information for testing their water and addressing concerns.

PFAS are stable chemicals that persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time. High PFAS levels have been associated with various health issues such as increased cancer risk, thyroid disease, reduced birth weight, higher cholesterol in adults, and decreased vaccine responses in children.

For certified laboratories analyzing drinking water for PFAS, interpretation of results, health effects information related to contaminants, or recommendations for those regularly consuming well water, contact IDPH at (217) 782-5830 or via email at dph.tox@Illinois.gov.

Further details on PFAS can be found under PFAS in Drinking Water.