|
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
Illinois Department of Public Health Recommends Water Well Testing for Private Wells Near Lakewood |
|||||||||||||||
|
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents who get their drinking water from private wells in the Lakewood area (McHenry County), to test their water for possible groundwater contamination. Routine testing of Lakewood’s community water supply wells by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) indicates contaminants could be present in the area’s private wells. The contaminant Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) 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) south of Ballard Road, west of Huntley Road, north of Ackman Road and east of Haligus 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 amount of MTBE an individual is exposed to, length of exposure and an individual’s overall health. Some studies suggest that drinking water contaminated with MTBE may cause gastrointestinal irritation, liver and kidney damage, and nervous system effects. No violations of State of Illinois or federal drinking water standards have occurred in Lakewood’s community water supply. For information concerning the community water supply contact Dean Studer 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. 
IDPH continues to implement its
Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 to maximize IDPH’s effectiveness,
influence and value for promoting wellness, health equity, safety
and improved health outcomes. Strategic plan priorities include
developing and expanding partnerships; improving data utilization;
reducing health disparities; improving regulatory compliance; and
branding, marketing and communicating IDPH’s value. |
|||||||||||||||
