GENERAL PFAS INFORMATION
We are committed to providing consumers with safe and reliable water and are working diligently to develop a plan that ensures the public water supply meets the new drinking water standards. We will keep the public informed as we work with the state to develop, design and implement the most expedient, effective and fiscally responsible solution to this emerging chemical of concern.

North Park Water has already completed several projects to ensure safe drinking water is supplied to the community. The implementation of the full intended solution is estimated at approximately $61,700,000. North Park Water is pursuing several different funding opportunities to limit the impact of the solution on our rates. To date, North Park Water has been granted $20.3 million towards the project through the IEPA State Revolving Loan, Principal Forgiveness Program. This award will be similar to a grant and does not need to be repaid.

Construction of Well 7 will be wholly financed by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) in the amount of approximately $5.9 million. The SRF program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and receives a portion of its money to fund these types of projects from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This project includes the construction of a new well in order to provide approximately 4,000 GPM of additional capacity to the system. Once complete, it will improve water quality for area residents and businesses in Machesney Park and Roscoe by providing a redundant supply of groundwater. SRF programs operate in each state to provide communities the resources necessary to build, maintain, and improve the infrastructure that protects one of our most valuable resources: water.

More Resources on PFAS:

General PFAS Information
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of human-made chemicals. They have been used since the 1950s to make a wide variety of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick consumer products. Some examples include food packaging, outdoor clothing, and non-stick pans. PFAS also have many industrial uses because of their special properties. In Washington State, PFAS have been used in certain types of firefighting foams utilized by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports. Some of the most common and best studied PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), have been removed from most products because of health and environmental concerns. These long-lasting chemicals continue to be released into our environment from older products and discarded materials. Newer PFAS compounds have replaced older PFAS compounds and at least some appear to pose similar problems.
Why are we concerned about PFAS?
PFAS are a public health concern because they:
  • Can impact human health.
  • Can build up in animals, fish, birds, plants, and people.
  • Don’t break down in water, soil, or air.
  • Can travel large distances in water or air.
  • Not all PFAS have the same impact on people or the environment.

PFAS have been discovered above recommended federal and state levels in the drinking water supplies of millions of Americans, including in Washington State. In humans, it can take many years for PFAS to leave our bodies. As a result, exposure to levels above recommended limits over time may lead to harmful health effects.
What are the health concerns with PFAS?
Scientists are still studying how PFAS affect people's health. Much of what we know comes from toxicity testing in laboratory animals. In people, higher exposure to certain PFAS may lead to:
  • Increased cholesterol levels.
  • Decreased birth weights.
  • Decreased immune response to vaccines.
  • Changes in liver enzymes that indicate liver damage.
  • Increased risk of blood pressure problems during pregnancy.
  • Increased risk of thyroid disease.
  • Increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer.

Learn more:
How are people exposed to PFAS?
People are primarily exposed to PFAS by:

  • Drinking water containing PFAS.
  • Eating food containing PFAS.
  • Using products that contain PFAS, such as stain- and water-proofing sprays, stain-resistant carpeting, water-repellant clothing and leather goods, and cosmetics.

People can also be exposed by:
  • Unintentionally swallowing soil or indoor dust that contain PFAS.
  • Breathing indoor air with PFAS that escape from consumer products.
  • Workplace exposures.

Most people living in the United States have some amount of these chemicals in their blood. People in communities with local PFAS contamination in their drinking water or food often have higher exposure and may be more likely to have health impacts. Children ages 0-5 years, and people who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding are considered to be more vulnerable to health impacts from these chemicals.
Learn more:
How can I be exposed? ATSDR
PFAS and Drinking Water
How does PFAS get into drinking water??
PFAS can get into drinking water if they are made, used, disposed of, or spilled near your water source. Because PFAS do not break down easily, they may remain in water supplies for many years. Reed, C., Haine, D., Lane, M.R., and Gray, K.M. (2019). PFAS Graphics: Sources, exposure pathways, and health effects. Chapel Hill, NC: UNC Institute for the Environment and NC PFAS Testing Network.
Are there federal drinking water standards for PFAS?
Yes, on April 10, 2024, EPA announced a final federal rule that regulates six PFAS in drinking water.

The final rule requires:
  • Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
  • Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs.
  • Beginning in five years (2029), public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation.
Learn more at EPA's Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) webpage.
What is North Park Water doing about PFAS?

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.

    • For additional information visit our PFAS Information page.
What water filters work for PFAS?
There are two types of home filter systems: point-of-use (POU) and whole house filters.

POU Water Filters:
  • Attach to a single faucet, like your kitchen sink.
  • Good for filtering water used for cooking and drinking.
  • Come in several different styles to fit your household needs and preferences.
  • Less expensive to purchase.
  • Can be purchased online or at your local home improvement store.

Whole House Water Filters
  • Treat all water that comes into your house.
  • Are typically installed in your basement, garage, or wellhouse.
  • Take up more space.
  • Are more expensive to purchase.

Not all water filters are effective at removing PFAS from your water. Look for filter systems that have been independently tested and certified by a third party, like NSF. Our factsheets below can help you choose an effective PFAS filter. You can also search for certified water filters at the NSF website or the Water Quality Association website. The certified PFAS filters listed on NSF will make specific claims that they reduce PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS.

Remember! All filter systems require regular maintenance to be effective and safe. This includes replacing filter membranes or cartridges when directed in the filter instructions. Consider these ongoing costs when selecting a filter.

Learn More About Filters: Home Water Treatment for PFAS 331-699 (PDF)
PFAS Point-of-Use Filter Options 331-713 (PDF)
 
North Park Water's Action Plan

TIMELINE OF IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTION
  • Late 2020: First samples indicate some PFAS in source water.
  • 2021: North Park Water begins study to identify Sources and Solutions to PFAS
    • Proactive measures to monitor PFAS levels through quarterly sampling begin.

  • 2022: Sources and Solutions Study is completed
    • Based on the results of the study, North Park Water purchases additional land for potential treatment plant.
    North Park Water Board approves a contract for Pre-Design of Treatment Plant
    Application is submitted to IEPA to request funding through the State Revolving Loan Program

  • 2023: A pilot study to determine the best treatment method begins. For more information on the pilot study, click here.
    • North Park Water begins and completes the design of an additional well (Well 7) - estimated project cost: $5.9 million

  • 2024: North Park Water Board approves the Final Design contract for the treatment plant
    • Received Grant funding in the amount of $5.9 million for the construction of Well 7
    Submitted the first treatment plant to IEPA to request funding through the State Revolving Loan Program
    Construction of Well 7 begins.
    Final design of the treatment plant to be completed
    Received Grant funding in the amount of $14.4 million for the construction of the Water Treatment Plant
FUTURE STEPS
  • 2025: Construction of first treatment plant to begin, estimated project cost: $44.5 million
    Modifications to existing Well 3 construction begins, estimated project cost $1.6 million
  • 2026: Well 4 modifications and transmission main construction to begin, estimated project cost: $6.9 million
  • 2028: Construction of first treatment plant to be completed
  • 2028/2029:Well 4 modifications and transmission main construction to be completed


For more information on these projects, visit our projects page.
PFAS Timeline Graphic (8.5 x 4 in)