Illinois Department of Public Health Recommends Water Well Testing for Private Wells Near Schaumburg

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents who obtain their drinking water from private wells in the Schaumburg area (Cook County) to test their water for possible groundwater contamination.  Routine testing of Schaumburg’s community water supply wells by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) indicates contaminants could be present in the area’s private wells. 
 
The contaminants trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were detected at levels lower than the Illinois Groundwater Standard.  However, this groundwater serves private wells in the area 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 IL 62, west of Salt Creek, north of IL 58 and east of North Meacham Road; and also the area south of Briarwood Lane, north of IL 62, east of North Meacham Road and west of South Westwood Lane 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 TCE and PCE an individual is exposed to, length of exposure, and an individual’s overall health.  Some studies suggest that drinking water contaminated with TCE and PCE 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 Schaumburg’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.