Private well testing encouraged
The Illinois Department of Public Health, IDPH, and the Illinois State Water Survey, ISWS, are reminding private well-owners to properly maintain their wells and recommend that they test their wells for potential contaminants.
Most private wells which are properly constructed and maintained provide safe water for years.
However, contamination can occur due to improper construction, poor maintenance or releases of contaminants into the well’s aquifer.
Many contaminants cannot be detected by sight, taste or smell.
Even if there is no indication of problems with the water, it is the well owner’s responsibility to properly maintain their well and regularly test it for potential contaminants to ensure the safety of their drinking water.
Potential contaminants in private wells include bacteria, nitrate/nitrite, metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals”)