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 Whether your water is supplied by your own private well or by a
public supply, all the drinking water in Logan County comes from
groundwater. The National Groundwater Association (NGWA) has
determined that 44 percent of the U.S. population depends on
groundwater for its drinking water supply. Groundwater is vital to
everyday life and it is important to keep it safe and protected.
Water wells, no matter how constructed or located, are never
guaranteed to always provide safe water. Therefore, if you have your
own private well, it is suggested to have your water analyzed at
least once a year. For only $8.00, you can purchase a test kit at
LCDPH (109 3rd Street, Lincoln, IL) to sample your well to help
determine if your water is safe to drink. Along with your test kit,
you will receive directions on how to sample your well and
laboratory shipping instructions. The water tests check specifically
for coliform and E. coli bacteria. Upon receipt of the results,
LCDPH will interpret the results and provide further instructions in
case you need to disinfect your well.
If you have an unused well on your property, eliminate it by having
it properly sealed. Abandoned wells can be a direct source of
contamination and are required by law to be sealed within 30 days of
abandonment.
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Water wells must be sealed by private well drillers or, with prior approval from
LCDPH, by a well owner. Sealing permit forms are available to the public at
LCDPH or on their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG. The method of sealing must be
approved by LCDPH before the actual sealing. There is no charge for the sealing
permit and inspection.
Much of the northern half of Logan County obtains its drinking water from the
Mahomet Aquifer. According to the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), arsenic
(As) has been found at levels exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 10
parts per billion (ppb) throughout parts of the aquifer. Arsenic is a
contaminant that is a naturally occurring element located in the earth’s crust.
Arsenic can be found in deep bedrock and, once it dissolves naturally, it can
find its way to groundwater. Arsenic is highly toxic and in drinking water has
been linked to various cancers and other ailments.
If the Mahomet Aquifer is your drinking water source, it is recommended to have
your well tested for arsenic. A map of the Mahomet Aquifer can be found on the
LCDPH website in addition to private laboratories which provide arsenic testing.
You can also contact LCDPH at 217-735-2317 for further information.
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health] |
