The ABUNDANCE and QUALITY of our regional groundwater resources are in JEOPARDY.
History
A Regional Challenge
The continuing availability of a sufficient supply of groundwater from reliable water sources has become an increasing regional concern as local governments seek to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Key reports and research has allowed us to understand that long-term water supply needs of communities in the region cannot be reliably and cost-effectively met through the use of groundwater.
“Changing Groundwater Levels in the Sandstone Aquifers of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin: Impacts on Available Water Supply”
WHAT WE LEARNED:
Since 2000, the levels of groundwater supply available in the Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer (deep sandstone) beneath Will, Kane and Kendall Counties and the surrounding areas have continued to decline.
“Recent Trends in Chloride and Total Dissolved Solids in Silurian Wells in the Southwest Water Planning Group Region: Indicators of Groundwater Contamination within the Silurian Dolomite Aquifer (Contract Report 2020-03)”.
WHAT WE LEARNED:
After analyzing the levels of chloride and total dissolved solids in Silurian Dolomite Aquifer wells (shallow wells), they found increasing concentrations that can negatively affect water quality and require additional treatment for the removal of these contaminants.
WHAT WE LEARNED:
This report quantified the sustainable yield of the deep sandstone aquifer in the southwest suburban region as ranging from 2 to 7 million gallons per day, which is insufficient to support the water needs of communities in the region.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Water Quality Sampling
WHAT WE LEARNED:
After sampling all public water supplies for emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the results showed that some wells have detectable levels of PFAS in shallow wells at levels already regulated by environmental authorities in other states.