Illinois PFAS Water Contamination: Know Your Rights

More than 440,000 Illinois residents recently received notices that their drinking water contains potentially harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. If you’re among the 47 water systems affected by this contamination, understanding your rights and options is crucial for protecting your family’s health and future.

What Are PFAS and Why Should You Be Concerned?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down naturally in the environment or human body. These “forever chemicals” accumulate over time and have been linked to serious health conditions, including:

  • Kidney and testicular cancer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Liver damage
  • Decreased fertility
  • Developmental effects in infants and children
  • Immune system disruption
  • High cholesterol

The EPA has determined there is no safe level of exposure to certain PFAS compounds.

Current Contamination Crisis in Illinois

Affected Communities

According to the Illinois EPA’s recent notifications:

  • 21 primary water systems have exceeded federal PFAS limits
  • 26 additional connected systems are impacted
  • Over 440,000 residents are affected
  • Major communities include areas served by Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois

Contamination Levels

The water systems have exceeded Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for:

  • PFOA: Above 4 parts per trillion
  • PFOS: Above 4 parts per trillion
  • PFHxS: Above 10 parts per trillion

Your Legal Rights Under Illinois Law

Right-to-Know Protections

Illinois law requires water providers to:

  • Notify customers within 30 days of PFAS detection
  • Provide annual updates on contamination levels
  • Disclose remediation plans and timelines
  • Maintain transparency about health risks

Enforcement Timeline

  • April 2025: Illinois implements enforceable groundwater quality standards
  • April 2029: Federal deadline for water systems to comply with PFAS limits
  • Ongoing: Illinois Attorney General pursuing litigation against PFAS manufacturers

Immediate Steps You Should Take

1. Verify Your Water System Status

  • Check the Illinois EPA PFAS Dashboard
  • Review your recent water bills for notification letters
  • Contact your water provider for current test results

2. Protect Your Family

  • Install NSF-certified water filters (standards 53 and 58)
  • Consider alternative water sources for drinking and cooking
  • Avoid products containing PFAS (non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics)

3. Document Everything

  • Save all water quality notices
  • Keep receipts for water filters and bottled water
  • Track any health symptoms or medical visits
  • Document property value impacts

Legal Actions and Remedies

Current Litigation

The Illinois Attorney General has filed lawsuits against:

  • 3M for contamination at its Cordova facility
  • 14 major PFAS manufacturers for consumer product liability
  • Companies that failed to warn about PFAS dangers

Potential Claims

Affected residents may have claims for:

  • Personal injury from PFAS exposure
  • Property damage and diminished value
  • Medical monitoring costs
  • Economic losses from contaminated water

How BKMS Can Help

At Block, Klukas, Manzella & Shell, P.C., we understand the devastating impact of water contamination on Illinois families. Our environmental litigation team is actively investigating PFAS contamination cases throughout the state.

We can help you:

  • Understand your legal rights and options
  • Evaluate potential claims against responsible parties
  • Navigate complex environmental regulations
  • Pursue compensation for health impacts and property damage

Free Case Evaluation

If you’ve received a PFAS contamination notice or have concerns about your water quality, contact us for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will review your situation and explain your legal options.

Time is critical in environmental contamination cases. Evidence must be preserved, and statutory deadlines apply to many claims.

Resources for Affected Residents

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For specific guidance on your situation, please contact our office to speak with an attorney.