EAST PEORIA AREA WATER WELL TESTING RECOMMENDED

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. – Residents who obtain their drinking water from private wells in the East Peoria area 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 tetrachloroethylene (PCE) exceeding the maximum contaminant level, indicating that the contaminants could also be present in the area’s private wells.

Although the contaminants were found in East Peoria’s source water, contaminants are removed at the city‘s water supply treatment plant and the water quality meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

There are three separate areas potentially affected by contamination. Area One is located east of the State Route 8 and U.S. Route 150 intersection, south of State Route 8, north of Shadoway Drive, and west of Cilco Lane (extended to U.S. Route 150). Area Two is located within a .86 mile radius of where Mariners Way crosses U.S. Route 150. Area Three is located within a half mile radius from the U.S. Route 150 and Fondulac Drive intersection. Persons with private wells located within these areas are encouraged to have their water tested by a private laboratory.

A list of private laboratories approved for testing can be obtained by calling John Smet, Illinois Department of Public Health, at 309-693-5360. Once samples have been analyzed, residents can call the health department for an explanation of the test results.

Exposure to tetrachloroethylene for long periods may increase the risk of liver and kidney damage, and impair immune system function and fetal development.

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