December 8, 2009

State Health Department Recommends Water Well Testing for Union

UNION, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents who obtain their drinking water from private wells in the Union (McHenry County) area to test their water for possible groundwater contamination. Routine testing of Union community water supply wells by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) indicates contaminants could be present in the area’s private wells.

The contaminant 1,2-dichloroethane was detected at levels lower than the Illinois Groundwater Standard. Although the contaminant’s levels were lower than the standard, this is the same groundwater that serves private wells and it is possible the levels of the contaminants may be higher in private wells.

Residents with private wells located within the area (map below) east of Dunham Road, south of the South Branch Kishwaukee River and North Union Road intersection, west of Olson Road, and north of East Coral Road are encouraged to have their water tested for volatile organic compounds by a private laboratory.

For a list of laboratories certified to analyze drinking water for volatile organic compounds, interpretation of test results, contaminant health effects information, and recommendations for individuals who regularly consume well water, contact Joe O’Connor, IDPH West Chicago Regional Office, 245 West Roosevelt Road, Bldg 5, West Chicago, IL. 60185, phone (630) 293-6800 or joe.o’connor@illinois.gov.

The risk of adverse health effects depends on the levels of contaminants in the water and the length of exposure. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may result in an increased health risk to the liver and kidneys.

The water supplied by Union community water supply currently meets all United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) drinking water standards.  No violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) have occurred in Union’s treated drinking water. Violation of an MCL is measured by either an annual quarterly average (four quarters) that exceeds the numeric standard, or a one-time concentration that exceeds four times the standard.  On November 2, 2009, the Village of Union disconnected Well #3 from the potable water distribution system and transferred ownership of this well to the Union Fire Protection District. Information about treated drinking water quality has been provided to the residents served by the Union CWS yearly since 1999 in the form of a Consumer Confidence Report.

For information concerning the community water supply contact Dean Studer at the IEPA at ( 217) 558-8280 or via email at dean.studer@illinois.gov

This information has been compiled from historic data and is provided to the public to ensure full disclosure of state records.