Press Release - Monday, May 12, 2025
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Illinois EPA Notifies Ten Additional Community Water Systems with Emergency Connections of Right-to-Know Requirements Triggered by Recent Rulemaking
PFAS Chemicals Detected in Groundwater of Emergency Connection System; All CWS and Residents are Encouraged to be Proactive in Reducing PFAS Exposure
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is providing notification to the owners and operators of ten Community Water Systems (CWS) that have been identified as having an emergency connection to a CWS that was previously notified of the detection of one or more Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at levels exceeding newly enacted groundwater quality standards. The ten CWS only utilize the emergency connection in the event of a water emergency. A list of the ten systems is included with this notification.
Illinois Right-to-Know laws require CWSs to notify all end users if groundwater contamination poses a threat of exposure to the public above the Class I groundwater quality standards. This law establishes methods of notification and strict time frames for providing notice. Groundwater routinely utilized by the ten CWS specified in this release does not exceed the newly adopted groundwater quality standards; however, the systems are authorized to obtain water on an emergency basis from a neighboring CWS that has exceed the groundwater quality standards. The ten affected CWSs supply drinking water to an estimated 78,386 individuals.
On April 11, 2025, the Illinois Pollution Control Board (Board) adopted amendments to the Board's Part 620 groundwater quality regulations. These amendments were first proposed by Illinois EPA to preserve and protect Illinois groundwater and to ensure that the state's groundwater quality standards match current scientific data and methodologies. The Illinois EPA's proposal included new groundwater quality standards for six PFAS, based on the most recent scientific information available:
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
- hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, also known as GenX (HFPO-DA)
- perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- pefluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
- perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
On April 14, 2025, Illinois EPA issued a press release notifying 21 CWSs that there has been a detection of one or more PFAS in the most recent water sampling at levels exceeding newly enacted groundwater quality standards. An additional 26 CWSs also received the same notification because they have a connection to and purchase water from one of the 21 CWSs identified. After further review of CWS connections, Illinois EPA identified ten additional systems that have the ability to access one of the 21 CWSs through an emergency water connection.
Although these state PFAS groundwater quality standards are newly established, Illinois EPA previously collected PFAS monitoring data from every CWS in the state through a statewide investigation into the prevalence and occurrence of PFAS in finished, or treated, drinking water. The data, compiled between 2020-2021, are available on the Illinois EPA PFAS Investigation Interactive Dashboard. Further, from 2023-2025, U.S. EPA is conducting PFAS testing in the State of Illinois under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) which is available at https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule-data-finder#data-finder.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Act requires the owners or operators of these CWSs to notify their customers of this contamination by mail, email, post card, text message, or telephone within five business days of official receipt of the Illinois EPA's notice. Within seven days of sending the notices, the owners or operators of the CWS must provide the Illinois EPA with written proof that the notices have been sent.
This press release and notices provided to CWSs will be posted on the Illinois EPA website at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/drinking-water/public-water-users/notices.html. More information regarding PFAS, including health effects and additional ways to reduce exposure, is available on the Illinois EPA PFAS webpage at https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/pfas.html.
Additional information can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website at: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides additional information on PFAS in drinking water at: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/private-water/fact-sheets/pfas-drinking-water.html.
Attachments:
- Community Water Systems with Emergency Connections Receiving Right-to-Know Notification
- Background Information on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Illinois
- Public Health Notice
Community Water Systems with Emergency Connections Receiving Right-to-Know Notification
| PFAS CONTAMINANT NEW GROUNDWATER QUALITY STANDARD: | PFOA | PFOA Recent Sample Date | PFOS | PFOS Recent Sample Date | PFHxS | PFHxS Recent Sample Date | |||
| PRIMARY CWS NAME | Emergency Connected System(s) Receiving Notice | CWS County | Population | Detected Level | Detected Level | Detected Level | |||
| CHANNAHON | WILL | N/A | 4.6 | 06/04/24 | 5.9 | 06/04/24 |
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| MINOOKA | GRUNDY | 12,800 |
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| COLLINSVILLE | MADISON | N/A | 18 | 08/01/24 | 8.9 | 08/01/24 | 12 | 08/01/24 | |
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| MOUND PUBLIC WATER DISTRICT | ST. CLAIR | 1,500 |
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| EDWARDSVILLE | MADISON | N/A | 8.4 | 12/16/24 |
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| BOND/MADISON WATER COMPANY | BOND | 6,645 |
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| GLEN CARBON | MADISON | 12,618 |
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| NORTH EAST CENTRAL PUBLIC WATER DISTRICT | MADISON | 3,975 |
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| FOX LAKE | LAKE | N/A |
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| 5 | 08/12/24 |
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| VOLO | LAKE | 6,629 |
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| IL AMERICAN-PEORIA | PEORIA | N/A |
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| 4.5 | 02/03/25 |
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| PEORIA HEIGHTS | PEORIA | 5,908 |
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| MARQUETTE HEIGHTS | TAZEWELL | N/A | 10 | 03/06/25 | 12 | 03/06/25 | 21 | 03/06/25 | |
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| NORTH PEKIN | TAZEWELL | 1,573 |
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| NORTH PARK PWD | WINNEBAGO | N/A |
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| 15 | 08/24/23 | |
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| LOVES PARK | WINNEBAGO | 23,335 |
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| ROBINSON-PALESTINE WATER COMMISSION | CRAWFORD | N/A |
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| 4.6 | 09/03/24 |
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| HARDINVILLE WATER COMPANY | CRAWFORD | 3,403 |
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Total Population of Emergency Connections | 78,386 |
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Background Information on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Illinois
PFAS are a group of several thousand human-made chemicals that are manufactured for their oil and water-resistant properties. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in a wide range of consumer products, industrial processes, and in some fire-fighting foams (called aqueous film-forming foam or AFFF). This has resulted in PFAS being released into the air, water, and soil. PFAS do not easily break down under natural conditions and are often referred to as "forever chemicals." Attached is a copy of the Public Health Notice being provided to the CWSs, which includes information on potential health effects, home water filter treatment options, and ways to minimize PFAS exposure from other sources.
Due to the prevalence of PFAS in the environment, Illinois has been among the most proactive states in the country in developing and implementing PFAS health standards and groundwater quality standards, in order to protect its residents. Between 2021 and 2024, Illinois EPA issued seven PFAS Health Advisories to provide guidance to local officials and CWS operators in protecting the health of water consumers, and calculated 16 health-based guidance levels (HBGLs) which represent the concentrations in drinking water at which no adverse health effects are expected to occur. The adoption of Part 620 groundwater quality standards will replace five of the Health Advisories with the other two, Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) and Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA), remaining in effect until an enforceable groundwater standard exists. Additionally, U.S. EPA recently set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which are federal drinking water standards, for certain PFAS. CWSs will need to sample for and comply with the federal MCLs for PFAS by April 2029.
All communities and residents can be at risk from PFAS exposure. PFAS are stable, persistent chemicals and will bioaccumulate in blood and organs over time. Current scientific literature indicates that people are primarily exposed to PFAS through the ingestion of food and water, including:
- ingestion of contaminated food and water, including food packaged in containers or wrappers containing PFAS.
- hand-to-mouth contact with products treated with PFAS (such as carpets and textiles) or products that contain PFAS (such as paints, and cosmetics).
- incidental ingestion of household dust.
Until additional regulations related to PFAS are promulgated at the federal and/or state level, Illinois EPA encourages all CWSs, private well owners, and residents to be proactive in addressing potential PFAS contamination, not only in drinking water, but through the other common routes of exposure. Ways to reduce exposure include:
- Choose stainless steel, cast iron, or non-stick cookware that does not contain PFAS.
- Avoid water repellents on clothing.
- Use personal care products without "PTFE" or "Fluoro" ingredients.
- Use water filters designed to remove PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 standards)
PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE - READ IMMEDIATELY
Why am I receiving this notice?
One or more Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the table below have been detected in your Community Water System emergency connection at levels exceeding 35 Illinois Administrative Code Part 620 Class I (potable) groundwater quality standards. The emergency connection is not used regularly but is authorized for use in the event that other drinking water sources are unavailable.
| PFAS Analyte | Acronym | Analytical Result (ng/L*) | Class I Groundwater Quality Standard (ng/L*)
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| Perfluorooctanoic acid | PFOA |
| 4 |
| Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid | PFOS |
| 4 |
| Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid | PFHxS |
| 10 |
What are PFAS?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals manufactured for their oil- and water-resistant properties. PFAS use is widespread. PFAS have been used in industrial processes since the 1940s and are in many everyday consumer products (food packaging, non-stick cookware, carpet, upholstery, clothing, and cosmetics).
How does PFAS enter the environment?
PFAS can enter the environment, including groundwater, through various pathways, including spills, leaks, and the disposal of products containing PFAS, as well as through industrial processes and waste-water treatment plants. Current scientific literature indicates that people are most exposed to PFAS by ingesting contaminated food and water. PFAS does not have any taste, color, or odor in drinking water.
How does PFAS impact human health?
PFAS can build up in the human body over time. According to the U.S. EPA, current peer-reviewed scientific studies have identified adverse health effects from exposure to PFAS that may include:
- reproductive effects such as decreased fertility and high blood pressure in pregnant women;
- developmental effects in children such a low birth weight;
- increased risks of developing certain types of cancer including prostrate, kidney, and testicular cancers;
- reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections including reduced vaccine response;
- interference with the body's natural hormones;
- increased risk of thyroid disease; and
- increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.
Exposure to PFAS does not necessarily mean that a person will experience any adverse health effects. The possible health effects from PFAS depend on numerous factors, including how much a person is exposed, so it is important to minimize PFAS exposure.
What can be done to address PFAS exposure?
PFAS can be removed from drinking water with in-home treatment technologies, such as carbon filtration and reverse osmosis. Carbon filters can be installed at the point-of-use, such as your kitchen faucet or refrigerator, or the point-of-entry to your home. Carbon filters are also available with filtered water pitchers. Use water filters designed to remove PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 standards). Likewise, reverse osmosis systems can be installed under your kitchen sink to treat water primarily used for drinking or cooking. In-home treatment may not always reduce PFAS below levels of concern, as the effectiveness of treatment is largely based on the amount of PFAS contamination and continued maintenance of the treatment system.
Are Community Water Systems required to address PFAS?
Yes. Federal law requires that all Community Water Systems take action to meet PFAS drinking water standards by April 26, 2029.
Where can I obtain additional information about PFAS?
Further PFAS resources, including additional information on health effects and ways to reduce exposure, are available on the Illinois EPA PFAS webpage at https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/pfas.html. If you have questions, please email the Illinois EPA at epa.contactus@illinois.gov. Please reference ‘PFAS Public Health Notice' in your email.
Confirmed sampling results for your Community Water System are available on the Illinois EPA Drinking Water Watch system at http://water.epa.state.il.us/dww/index.jsp and on the U.S. EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule-data-finder#data-finder. If you have questions or would like more information about your water quality, please contact your water provider.
AVISO DE SALUD PÚBLICA - LEA INMEDIATAMENTE
¿Por qué recibí este aviso?
Se han detectado una o más sustancias perfluoroalquiladas y polifluoroalquiladas (PFAS) en su sistema de agua comunitaria a niveles que superan los estándares de calidad del agua subterránea (potable) del Código Administrativo de Illinois, Parte 620, Clase I.
¿Qué son las PFAS?
Las PFAS son productos químicos sintéticos fabricados por sus propiedades resistentes al aceite y al agua. Las PFAS son omnipresentes. Las PFAS se han utilizado en procesos industriales desde la década de 1940 y se encuentran en muchos productos de consumo cotidiano (envases de alimentos, utensilios de cocina antiadherentes (non-stick), alfombras, tapicería, ropa y cosméticos).
¿Cómo entran las PFAS al medio ambiente?
Las PFAS pueden ingresar al medio ambiente, incluidas las aguas subterráneas, por una variedad de vías, incluidos derrames, fugas y la eliminación de productos que contienen PFAS, así como a través de procesos industriales y plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales. La literatura científica actual indica que las personas están más expuestas a las PFAS al ingerir alimentos y agua contaminados. Las PFAS no tienen sabor, color ni olor en el agua potable.
¿Cómo afectan las PFAS a la salud humana?
Las PFAS pueden acumularse en el cuerpo humano con el tiempo. Según la EPA de EE. UU., los estudios científicos actuales revisados por pares han identificado efectos adversos a la salud por la exposición a PFAS que pueden incluir:
- efectos reproductivos como disminución de la fertilidad y presión arterial alta en mujeres embarazadas;
- efectos al desarrollo de los niños como bajo peso al nacer;
- mayor riesgo de desarrollar ciertos tipos de cáncer, incluidos los cánceres de próstata, riñón y testículos;
- reducción de la capacidad del sistema inmunitario del cuerpo para combatir las infecciones, incluida la reducción de la respuesta a las vacunas;
- interferencia con las hormonas naturales del cuerpo;
- mayor riesgo de enfermedad tiroidea; y
- Aumento de los niveles de colesterol y/o riesgo de obesidad.
La exposición a las PFAS no significa necesariamente que una persona vaya a experimentar efectos adversos a su salud. Los posibles efectos sobre la salud de las PFAS dependen de numerosos factores, incluido el grado de exposición, por lo que es importante minimizar la exposición a las PFAS.
¿Qué se puede hacer para abordar la exposición a las PFAS?
Las PFAS se pueden eliminar del agua potable con tecnologías de tratamiento en el hogar, como la filtración de carbono y la ósmosis inversa. Los filtros de carbón se pueden instalar en el punto de uso, como en la llave de agua o en el refrigerador, o en el punto de entrada a su hogar. También hay filtros de carbón con jarras de agua filtrada. Del mismo modo, los sistemas de ósmosis inversa se pueden instalar debajo del fregadero de la cocina para tratar el agua utilizada principalmente para beber o cocinar. Es posible que el tratamiento en el hogar no siempre reduzca las PFAS por debajo de los niveles preocupantes, ya que la eficacia del tratamiento se basa en gran medida en la cantidad de contaminación por PFAS y el mantenimiento continuo del sistema de tratamiento.
¿Es necesario que los sistemas de agua comunitarios aborden las PFAS?
Sí. La ley federal requiere que todos los sistemas de agua comunitarios tomen medidas para cumplir con los estándares de agua potable PFAS antes del 26 de abril de 2029.
¿Dónde puedo obtener información adicional sobre las PFAS?
Más recursos sobre PFAS, incluida información adicional sobre los efectos en la salud y las formas de reducir la exposición, están disponibles en la página web de PFAS de la EPA de Illinois en https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/pfas.html.
Los resultados confirmados de muestreo para su sistema de agua comunitaria están disponibles en el sistema de Vigilancia de Agua Potable de la EPA de Illinois (Illinois EPA Drinking Water Watch) en http://water.epa.state.il.us/dww/index.jsp y en el sitio web de la EPA de EE. UU. en https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule-data-finder#data-finder. Si tiene preguntas o desea obtener más información sobre la calidad de su agua, comuníquese con su proveedor de agua.
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