We saw PFAS on the news - what are we doing about it?
We understand your concerns about PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in our water supply. At North Park Water, we're committed to ensuring the safety and quality of your drinking water. Here’s what we’re doing:
- New Treatment Facility: We are in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art treatment plant specifically designed to remove PFAS from our water supply. This facility will incorporate the latest technologies and methodologies to ensure the highest level of water purity.
- Interim Solutions: While we work to construct the long-term solution, we have significantly modified our water production to reduce levels of PFAS. The levels identified in the primary wells being used are generally below the new EPA Drinking Water Standard.
- Securing Grants and Other Funding: We have successfully secured $13.2 million in grants to fund this crucial project. In addition, we have secured $35 million in low interest loans. These funds are essential for implementing advanced treatment solutions and ensuring that we can provide safe drinking water to our community.
- Ongoing Efforts: We continue to pursue additional grants and funding opportunities to enhance our water treatment capabilities and address PFAS contamination comprehensively.
Why didn't we take action sooner?
You might be wondering why we didn't address this issue earlier. The truth is, our understanding of PFAS and the science needed to combat it has evolved significantly over the past few years. Here’s a detailed explanation:
- Evolving Science: Two years ago, the scientific community did not have a clear consensus on the best methods to detect, treat, and eliminate PFAS from water supplies. Research and technological advancements have since provided us with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle this issue effectively
- Regulatory Guidance: Regulatory standards and guidelines for PFAS have been developing over time. We have been closely monitoring these changes and adapting our strategies accordingly to ensure compliance and safety.
- Comprehensive Planning: Addressing PFAS contamination is a complex process that requires careful planning and significant investment. We have been diligently working on developing a comprehensive plan that ensures long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. For more on this comprehensive solution, click here.
WHAT ARE PFAS? IS IT ONLY OUR
COMMUNITY DEALING WITH THIS?
COMMUNITY DEALING WITH THIS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. They are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment. Here’s what you need to know:
- Widespread Issue: PFAS contamination is a widespread issue affecting many communities across Illinois and the United States. We are not alone in facing this challenge.
- Illinois Communities Affected: Several Illinois communities, including Belvidere, Fox Lake, Lake in the Hills, Cary, Elgin, Evanston, Winnetka, Lake Forest, Waukegan, North Chicago, Crest Hill, Peoria, Moline, Rock Island, and Galesburg, are also dealing with PFAS contamination. You can view the Illinois EPA map showing PFAS detection across the state here.
WHAT IS THE EPA DOING ABOUT PFAS?
The EPA has a comprehensive approach to tackling PFAS contamination, which includes several key principles:
- Lifecycle Consideration: The EPA considers the entire lifecycle of PFAS, from production to disposal, to address all potential exposure pathways.
- Preventing Contamination: Efforts are focused on preventing PFAS from entering the environment, reducing future contamination risks.
- Holding Polluters Accountable: The EPA is committed to holding polluters responsible for their actions and ensuring they contribute to remediation efforts.
- Science-Based Decisions: Investments in scientific research help the EPA make informed decisions about PFAS risks and mitigation strategies.
- Protecting Disadvantaged Communities: Ensuring that all communities, especially those disadvantaged, have equitable access to solutions.
INCREASING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE HEALTH RISKS OF PFAS AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM
Due to their widespread production and use, as well as their ability to move and persist in the environment, surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that most people in the United States have been exposed to some PFAS. Most known exposures are relatively low, but some can be high, particularly when people are exposed to a concentrated source over long periods of time. Some PFAS chemicals can accumulate in the body over time.
Current research has shown that people can be exposed to PFAS by:
- Working in occupations such as firefighting or chemicals manufacturing and processing.
- Drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
- Eating certain foods that may contain PFAS, including fish.
- Swallowing contaminated soil or dust.
- Breathing air containing PFAS.
- Using products made with PFAS or that are packaged in materials containing PFAS.
We understand that some residents may still feel uneasy about PFAS in the water, even though we are meeting current safety standards. While we are working on a long-term solution with the $50 million treatment plant, we recognize that some people might prefer extra assurance in the short term. A water pitcher with an NSF-certified filter designed to reduce PFAS could be a good option for individuals looking for additional filtration in their homes. The EPA provides a great fact sheet on using home filters as a short-term solution to reduce PFAS in drinking water here.
While water pitchers with certified filters can be a helpful temporary solution, they should not be considered a permanent replacement for the treatment plant we are designing. Our $61 million investment in advanced treatment technology will ensure that PFAS is removed at the source, benefiting all households and offering long-term protection.
HOW ARE OTHER ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES HANDLING PFAS?
Other communities in Illinois are also taking significant steps to address PFAS contamination. Here’s a brief overview:
- Belvidere: Implementing advanced filtration systems.
- Fox Lake: Pursuing funding for new treatment facilities.
- Lake in the Hills: Educating the public and upgrading infrastructure.
SAMPLE RESULTS
| PFAS Analyte | Acronym | Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) by 2029 | Analytical Result at TP03/Well 3 (values in ppt) | Analytical Result at TP04/Well 4 (values in ppt) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanoic acid | PFOA | 4 ppt | 3.25 | 6.35 |
| Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid | PFOS | 4 ppt | 2.15 | 3.7 |
| Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid | PFHxS | 10 ppt | 2.4 | 7.6 |
| Perfluorononanoic acid | PFNA | 10 ppt | ND | 2.3 |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid | PFBS | 10 ppt | 2.8 | 4.85 |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid | HFPO-DA | 10 ppt | ND | ND |
| Hazard Index Calculation | Hazard Index of 1 | 0.2 | .99 | |
ND: not detectable at testing limit.
PPT: part per trillion (also called ng/L or nanograms per liter).
PPT: part per trillion (also called ng/L or nanograms per liter).
