SPRINGFIELD, IL – Residents in the Harvard area who obtain their drinking water from private wells are advised to have the water tested for possible groundwater contamination, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced today.

Routine testing of the city’s municipal water wells by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) revealed levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) exceeding the maximum contaminant level, indicating the contaminant could also be present in the area’s private wells.

Water distributed through the municipal water system is treated at the city’s water treatment plant to remove contaminants and the water being supplied meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Persons with private wells located within a ½ mile radius of where South Ayers Street laboratory.

A list of private laboratories approved for testing can be obtained by calling Joe O’Connor with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s West Chicago office at 630-293-6800. Once samples have been analyzed, residents can call the health department for an explanation of the test results.

Exposure to trichloroethylene for long periods has been found to increase the risk of liver and kidney damage, and to impair immune system function and fetal development.

Notice of possible private well contamination is required by 2002 amendments to the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act.