PEORIA, Ill. — State environmental officials have detected elevated levels of “forever chemicals” in drinking water serving several Peoria County communities.
Water samples collected from Illinois American Water’s Peoria system revealed perfluorooctanoic acid, commonly known as PFOA, at 4.6 parts per trillion. That surpasses Illinois’ Class I groundwater quality threshold of 4.0 parts per trillion.
Because the Peoria system supplies water to several neighboring areas, official Right-to-Know notifications were triggered for six satellite systems: Dunlap, Hanna City, Mapleton, Kingston Mines, T-L Rural Water District, and Deluxe Lake Estates Mobile Home Park. Peoria Heights was also notified due to its emergency backup connection.
Under state law, water utility providers must inform the public whenever groundwater testing exceeds official safety limits. PFAS compounds, used for decades in consumer products and industrial processes, accumulate in the human body over time and do not easily break down in nature.
Health and environmental experts encourage local residents to take practical steps to reduce exposure:
PFAS are stable, persistent chemicals that bioaccumulate in blood and organs over time. Current scientific literature indicates that people are primarily exposed to PFAS through the ingestion of food and water. Everyone is encouraged to be proactive in reducing the risks from PFAS contamination, not only in drinking water, but through the other common routes of exposure. Illustrative strategies include:
- Install drinking water filters certified under NSF/ANSI standards 53 or 58 to clear PFAS compounds.
- Switch to stainless steel or cast iron cookware instead of non-stick pans made with fluorinated chemicals.
- Check personal care products and avoid items containing “PTFE” or “Fluoro” ingredients.
- Have private wells tested through the Illinois Department of Public Health if you rely on well water nearby.
Private well owners with health or technical questions can reach the Illinois Department of Public Health at (217) 782-5830 or email dph.tox@Illinois.gov.
