June 24, 2009

State Health Department Recommends Water Well Testing for Bradley Heights Subdivision in Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents who obtain their drinking water from private wells in the Bradley Heights Subdivision in Rockford to test their water for possible groundwater contamination. Routine testing of Bradley Heights Subdivision municipal water wells by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) indicates contaminants could be present in the area’s private wells.

The contaminants cis-1,2 dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene, benzo(A)pyrene, and dichloromethane were 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.

Persons with private wells located within the public notice area (see attached map) 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 and synthetic organic compounds, interpretation of test results, contaminant health effects information, and recommendations for individuals who regularly consume well water, contact Clay Simonson, IDPH Rockford Regional Office, 4302 N Main St, Rockford, IL. 61103, phone (815) 987-7511 or clay.simonson@illinois.gov. You can also contact Larry Swacina, Winnebago County Health Department, 401 Division Street, Rockford, IL 61104, phone (815) 720-4110 or lswacina@wchd.org.

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

The water supplied by Bradley Heights Subdivision 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 Bradley Heights Subdivision’s treated drinking water.

For information concerning the community water supply contact Kurt Neibergall, Manager, Office of Community Relations, IEPA at 217/782-5562 kurt.neibergall@illinois.gov

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