December 29, 2004

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Persons who obtain their drinking water from private wells along the Fox River, south of the West Batavia Cemetery between South Batavia Avenue and Illinois Route 25 (South River Street), are advised to have the water tested for possible groundwater contamination, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today.

IDPH and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) have been monitoring groundwater contamination in industrial and non-community public wells along Illinois Route 25. Sampling results revealed elevated levels of vinyl chloride in wells between Route 25 and the eastern shore of the Fox River.

From 1996 to 2002, IDPH sampled several private wells west of the Fox River in southern Batavia to learn if contamination existed on that side of the river. Vinyl chloride was detected in only one well. This well user was notified of the results and advised about ways to reduce exposure. Vinyl chloride was not detected in any other well.

In a 2003 health consultation, IDPH concluded that no public health hazard existed at that time for residents west of the Fox River. Except for the one well, no site-related chemicals had been detected in private well water samples collected from the residential area west of the site. IDPH recognizes that exposure to site-related chemicals could pose a health hazard if other wells in this residential area become contaminated.

A list of private laboratories approved for testing can be obtained by contacting the Kane County Health Department at 630-208-3801. Once samples have been analyzed, residents can call the health department for an explanation of the test results.

Long-term exposure to elevated levels of vinyl chloride can affect the liver and may increase the risk of liver cancer.