WATER WELL TESTING RECOMMENDED FOR
SIX OAKS MOBILE HOME PARK AREA OF PECATONICA

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Residents who obtain their drinking water from private wells in the Six Oaks Mobile Home Park area of Pecatonica are advised to have the water tested for possible groundwater contamination, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced today.

Routine testing of the public water wells by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) revealed levels of trichloroethylene (TCE); trans 1,2-dichloroethylene (trans 1,2-DCE); 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) tetrachloroethylene (PCE); vinyl chloride; BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) and acetone 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 Six Oaks Mobile Home Park source water, contaminants are removed at the public water supply treatment plant and the water quality meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Persons with private wells located within the area north of Comly Road, east of South Spielman Road, south of Berglund Road, and west of North Conger Road, are encouraged to have their water tested by a private laboratory.

A list of private laboratories approved for testing can be obtained by calling Ruth Roth, groundwater coordinator with the Winnebago County Health Department at 815-720-4122. Once samples have been analyzed, residents can call the health department for an explanation of the test results.

The risk of adverse health effects depends on the level of contaminants in the water and the duration of exposure. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of liver and kidney damage and increase the risk of certain types of cancers.

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