Have you ever wondered what chemicals are in your town's drinking water? Unfortunately, some Illinois areas may not like the answer.
USA TODAY published a map of public drinking water systems that recently submitted test results for "forever chemicals" to the Environmental Protection Agency. Several areas in Illinois were found to have levels over the federally dictated levels.
Here's what we know.
What are 'forever chemicals'?
PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are defined by the EPA as long-lasting chemicals with components that break down very slowly over time.
Because of the widespread use of these chemicals, they are found in water, air, soil, fish and even human blood in varying levels. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some of these chemicals may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
As a result, the EPA established legally enforceable levels in 2024 for six PFAS in public drinking water. Public water systems must monitor for these chemicals and take action to reduce the levels of these chemicals if they violate the EPA's standards. They must also provide notification to the public of the violation.
Can PFAS be filtered out of water?
Not all filters reduce PFAS in water, so you should look for a filter that is specifically certified to do so, according to the EPA.
The agency recommends using the following types of water filters:
Charcoal (Granular Activated Carbon or GAC): These filters use carbon to trap chemicals as water passes through them.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Reverse osmosis is a process that forces water through an extremely thin barrier that separates chemicals from the water.
Ion Exchange Resins: Resins are tiny beads that act like powerful magnets that attract and hold thecontaminated materials from passing through the water system.
From the archives: 'Forever chemicals' are in Peoria drinking water. What is being done about them?
Illinois areas with PFAS over EPA limit
The following public water systems in Illinois were found to have "forever chemical" levels over the EPA limit:
Crest Hill: 3.1x the limit
Freeport: 2.7x the limit
Prairie Path Water Co-Whispering Hills: Slightly over the limit
South Elgin: 1.4x the limit
Channahon: 1.4x the limit
Galesburg: 2.8x the limit
Abingdon: 2.3x the limit
IL American-Peoria: Slightly over the limit
Collinsville: 2.3x the limit
Are 'forever chemicals' in your water? Check map
CONTRIBUTING: USA TODAY staff.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 'Forever chemicals' in Illinois water. Find PFAS-contaminated water near you
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