Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
Get yours: subscribe here. Refer a friend: share this link.
A February 11 Illinois EPA press release aims to alert Elburn residents after a recent water sample detected a PFAS “forever chemical” above state standards — and it’s triggering a legal requirement for the community water system to notify customers.
Here’s what to know:
What was detected: The chemical PFOA was found at 7.5 parts per trillion in a sample collected December 2, 2025.
Why this matters: Illinois EPA says that level is above both the federal Maximum Contaminant Level and Illinois’ Class I groundwater quality standard of 4 parts per trillion.
Right-to-know requirement: Because the detection exceeded the state standard, Illinois law requires the Elburn Community Water System to notify customers within five business days of receiving the agency’s notice.
Not just public water users: In the release, Illinois EPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health also encouraged private well owners near the system to test their water for PFAS or consider treatment, since PFAS can persist and accumulate over time.
For residents looking for immediate options, the state notes that boiling water does not remove PFAS — but certain certified filters, including activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems, can reduce it.
Read the full press release.
📖 Thanks for reading
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.
Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.