News Releases - 2001

Illinois EPA Conducts Private Well Sampling in Downers Grove Area

Springfield, Ill. -- Results from samples taken from private water wells in unincorporated areas around Downers Grove have just been received by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The samples, collected during the week of July 16, 2001, were in response to concerns of area citizens generated from recent well sampling efforts in neighboring Lisle and surrounding areas.

Approximately 160 samples, in three areas, were analyzed for levels of a family of chemicals, used in solvents, called volatile organics, with results as follows.

• The main study area is generally bounded by Elmore and Inverness on the north, Belmont on the east, 59th Street on the south and Walnut on the west. Of the approximately 100 samples in this area, 32 results were above the federal drinking water standards, which is 5 parts per billion for both trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. Other related chemicals of concern were detected at low levels.
• The second area is north of Burlington between Granville and Edwards, and generally extends about one block. All sample results were well below the drinking water standard or the chemicals of concern were not detected.
• The third area tested is bounded by 63rd on the north, Main on the east, 67th on the south and Saratoga on the west. Again, all samples were well below the drinking water standard or the chemicals of concern were not detected.

Illinois EPA staff has contacted the affected residents individually. All residents with results above the federal drinking water standard were notified that the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that they find an alternative source of drinking water.

According to Illinois EPA Director Tom Skinner, "This was the first round of sampling in this area. The results of these samples tell us what additional areas need to be sampled next."

"Our primary goal with these sampling efforts is to find out which residential wells are contaminated so that we can define the extent of contaminants and look for sources. If you have a private well in the aforementioned main study area, and we were unable to reach you for the first round of sampling, I urge you to contact Carol Fuller in our Office of Community Relations at 217-524-8807 to discuss having your well tested, " said Skinner.

Results of recent investigations in the Lisle area for similar contaminants brought Illinois EPA investigators to look south and east into Downers Grove. Additionally, Some Downers Grove residents requested that their private wells be sampled. Skinner stated, "We are conducting these tests to gather important data about these wells as we investigate any source or sources of contamination."