Local

Village Water Still Makes a Splash


2008 Village of Park Forest Water Report

A recent report shows Park Forest water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. (Graphic: VOPF)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– According to a report recently issued by the Park Forest Department of Public works, village water meets or surpasses every federal and state standard.

The 2008 Water Report lists the 2007 regulated contaminants detected in the water of the Village.  The Village tests for the presence of lead, copper, chlorine, TTHMs [TotalTrihalomethanes], barium, chromium, fluoride, Nitrate-Nitrite, and sodium.

The only violation in 2007 was a failure to distribute the Consumer Confidence Report on time. According to the report, the last Consumer Confidence Report was distributed to the public by the June 30, 2007 deadline but the IEPA did not receive the certification of delivery by the July 10, 2007 deadline. A violation was issued but consequently nullified by the agency. This year, the certification of delivery will be mailed earlier using certified mail, according to Village officials.

The Village of Park Forest is supplied by groundwater pumped from six wells drilled approximately 300 feet deep into a dolomite limestone aquifer. The wells are all located within a one-mile radius of the Water Plant. Water is pumped from the wells to the plant where it is softened using a lime and soda ash softening process.

The water is also filtered through sand filters. Chlorine is added as a disinfectant and fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay. Water is then pumped from the plant to the consumer through miles of underground water mains.

Based on information obtained in a Well Site Survey, published in 1992 by the Illinois EPA, twenty-four possible problem sites were identified within the Park Forest survey area. The Illinois EPA has determined that the source water obtained from Park Forest wells 1-6 is susceptible to contamination. In other words, if a source of contamination was present near a well, the itself aquifer could be affected. This determination is based on a number of criteria including: monitoring conducted at the wells, monitoring conducted at the entry point to the distribution system, and the available hydrogeologic data on the wells.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Act provides a minimum protection zone of 400 feet for Park Forest’s wells. These minimum protection zones are regulated by the Illinois EPA. According to Village officials, all drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants, however, does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.

In 2007, drinking water provided to residents of Park Forest met or surpassed every federal and state standard.

To view the complete report, click here.

Source: VOPF


ARCHIVES