On May 4, 2010, the Illinois Department of Public Health advised residents who obtain their drinking water from private wells in the Coyne Center Co-Op area (Rock Island, south of 106th Avenue, north of 127th Avenue, east of U.S. 67 and west of Mill Creek) to test their water for possible groundwater contamination. Routine testing of Coyne Center Co-Op community water supply wells indicated contaminants could be present in the area’s private wells.
Specifically, the contaminant xylene was detected at levels lower than the Illinois Groundwater Standard. Although the contaminant’s levels were lower than the standard, this is the same groundwater that serves private wells and it is possible the levels of the contaminants may be higher in private wells. Therefore, IDPH encouraged residents with private wells located within the area to have their water tested for volatile organic compounds by a private laboratory.
For a list of laboratories certified to analyze drinking water for volatile organic compounds, interpretation of test results, contaminant health effects information, and recommendations for individuals who regularly consume well water, IDPH recommends contacting John Smet (john.smet@illinois.gov), Illinois Department of Public Health Peoria Regional Office, 5415 North University, Peoria, IL 61614, phone (309) 693-5360. You may also contact Paul Guse, Rock Island County Health Department, 2112 25th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, phone (309) 793-1955 or pguse@co.rock-island.il.us.
Despite this recommendation, IDPH stated that no violations of State of Illinois or federal drinking water standards have occurred at Coyne Center Co-Op.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
