Galesburg Community Water System and Six Satellite Systems Notified of Right-to-Know Requirements

PFAS Compound Detected in Groundwater; System Owners/Operators, Private Well Owners, and all Residents are Encouraged to Reduce PFAS Exposure

Springfield - The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is notifying the owners and operators of the Galesburg Community Water System (CWS), Abingdon CWS, East Galesburg CWS, Henderson CWS, Knoxville CWS, Windwood Water CWS and Little York CWS that there has been a detection of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) compound, in water samples collected by the Galesburg CWS, as part of the PFAS Initial Monitoring Period, which began in April 2026. The Abingdon, East Galesburg, Henderson, Knoxville, Windwood Water, and Little York CWS purchase water from the Galesburg CWS. All of the systems are in Knox County except Little York, which is in Warren County. The samples identified PFOS at 15 and 4.7 parts per trillion (ppt), which is above the Illinois Class I groundwater quality standard of 4 ppt. In April of 2025, these seven systems were also notified of a detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

"Illinois EPA was proactive in our efforts to address PFAS contamination in Illinois community water systems, which resulted in the adoption of state groundwater quality and drinking water standards among the most protective in the nation," said Illinois EPA Director James Jennings. "This notification both satisfies state law and serves as a reminder to all residents to reduce exposure to PFAS compounds, which can be found in everyday products and the environment."

The 2009 Right-to-Know law requires owners and operators of CWSs to notify their customers when groundwater contamination poses a threat of exposure to the public above the Class I groundwater quality standards. In 2025, Illinois adopted new groundwater quality standards for six PFAS, based on the most recent scientific information available. Those include PFOA, PFOS, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, also known as GenX (HFPO-DA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), pefluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS).

In January 2026, Illinois also adopted amendments to Illinois drinking water regulations that are identical in substance to science-based Biden-era U.S. EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs/federal drinking water standards) for certain PFAS. CWSs were required to begin sampling for those PFAS in April 2026 and must comply with the federal MCLs for PFAS by April 2029.

PFAS have been used in a wide range of consumer products, industrial processes, and in some fire-fighting foams (called aqueous film-forming foam or AFFF) since the 1940s. This has resulted in the release of PFAS into the air, water, and soil. PFAS do not easily break down under natural conditions and are often referred to as "forever chemicals."

PFAS are stable, persistent chemicals that bioaccumulate in blood and organs over time. As a result, all residents may be at risk from PFAS exposure. 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 addressing potential PFAS contamination, not only in drinking water, but through the other common routes of exposure. Ways to reduce exposure include:

• Choose stainless steel, cast iron, or non-stick cookware that does not contain PFAS.

• Avoid water repellents on clothing.

• Use personal care products without "PTFE" or "Fluoro" ingredients.

• Use water filters designed to remove PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 standards).

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) also encourages private well owners near the impacted water system to test their well water for PFAS or consider installing treatment, such as activated carbon filters, on drinking water faucets. Private well owners who have health-related questions or require technical assistance can contact IDPH by phone at (217) 782-5830 or by email at [email protected].