Public meeting Feb. 21 for residents in unincorporated area
where groundwater contaminates found in private wells

In an effort to answer residents’ questions regarding the recent discovery of contaminants in private wells located in unincorporated Wayne Township, a public meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the DuPage County Health Department, 111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton.

The health department’s voluntary well water testing program found vinyl chloride in 36 wells—along Judith Court in West Chicago and Riviera Court in Bartlett—which exceeds the maximum contaminant level established by federal drinking water standards.

The contaminants in the groundwater aquifer, from which water is obtained, were detected during the health department’s private well water sampling program, which was started in March, 2005. Approximately 1,000 private wells throughout DuPage County were sampled.

Affected residents have been notified about the public meeting, which is being hosted by the health department and DuPage County Public Works. Representatives from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will be on hand to answer questions.

A letter from the state health department was distributed to affected residents stating: “If your sample result for vinyl chloride exceeds the drinking water standard, we recommend that you use an alternate drinking water supply or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen, so we advise reducing exposure to this chemical. Ultimately, the use of public water is an effective, long-term way to reduce exposure.”

The DuPage County Water Commission funds the health department’s unique well water sampling program.

For information on the Feb. 21 meeting, call David Hass at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7374.

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