A Nationally Accredited Health Department Since 2017

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What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a series of man-made chemicals that can be found in a variety of consumer products and water.

All residents should reduce your exposure to PFAS. Resident that live in the notice area (highlighted in map on the right) should take extra precaution. See Health Notices on this page.

PFAS Are Found In

  • Fast food packaging / food wrappers
  • Water
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Firefighting foam
  • Stain-resistant carpet and fabric

Health Impacts of PFAS​

PFAS remain in the environment and the human body for long periods of time. Reducing exposure to PFAS will lower your risk for health problems. Talk to your healthcare provider about the recommended screening guidelines for these effects, especially if you have high levels of PFAS in your drinking water.

Based on current research, higher exposure to PFAS increases the risk of:

  • Infertility and low birth weight
  • Certain types of cancers
  • Developmental delays
  • Thyroid and heart issues
  • Reduced vaccine response
Flyer explaining what PFAs are
PFAS Handout

Those At Greater Risk​

  • Infants and young children whose brains and bodies are developing rapidly
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those planning pregnancy

Do NOT drink water with PFAS if you are at greater risk, get water from PFAS-free sources

Reduce Exposure to PFAS from Water Supply

  1. Use City Water
  2. Get a Carbon Water Filter or Home Water Treatment System
  3. Test your water for PFAS if you use a well that is not on City Water

If you are ready to test your well or learn more about connecting to City Water, contact WCHD at 815-720-4100.

Take Steps to Reduce PFAS Exposure

PFAS do not have any taste, color, or odor. The best way to prevent exposure to PFAS is to avoid products and sources that may contain them.

  • Use home water treatment systems or specific water filters that remove PFAS
  • Limit the use of waterproof and stain-resistant products
  • Choose non-stick, PFAS-free cookware
Graphic reads: Pregnant women and children under 6 should not drink water that contains PFAS. Reduce Exposure: 1. Use City Water 2. Get a carbon water filter or home water treatment system. 3. Test your water if you use a well that is not on city water

Health NOTICES for PFAS

Health Notices have been issued to the community for PFAS in neighborhoods where multiple wells have tested above guidance level and their is concern for residence using private well water. Residents that live in the notice areas should take extra precautions to:

  • Test any wells not hooked up to City water AND
  • Take steps to remove PFAS from their drinking water.

Pregnant women and children under 6 should not drink water that contains PFAS.

Neighborhood Near Family Manufactured Home Community, LLC

  • PFAS have been found above guidance level in area well water
      • Levels of PFAS high above guidance level where identified in a community well for the Family Manufactured Home Community, LLC tested in February 2021
      • While looking for a source of contamination, multiple private wells in the area tested above guidance level for PFAS
  • No source can be identified at this time, however, more private wells in this area may be impacted
  • Resident that live in the notice area (highlighted in map on the right) should take extra precaution to:
      • Test any wells not hooked up to City water AND
      • Take steps to remove PFAS from their drinking water.
        • Get a carbon water filter
        • Get a home water filter,
        • Testing your water for PFAS,
        • Connect to City Water
  • Pregnant women and children under 6 should not drink water that contains PFAS.

Click here for FAQs about this PFAS Health Notice.

Image of a map highlighting a portion of southeast rockford.
Health Notice Area for PFAS

Wright Kiles Blackhawk Subdivision

  • PFAS have been detected in area well water
      • The Illinois Department of Public Health sent notice to residents that are on the individual wells with PFAS above guidance level
  • No single source can be identified at this time
  • Resident that live in the notice area (highlighted in map on the right) should take steps to remove PFAS from their drinking water:
    • Get a carbon water filter
    • Get a home water filter
      •  
    • It is strongly recommended that residents connect to Village Water when possible
  • Pregnant women and children under 6 should not drink water that contains PFAS.

 

Image of a Map highlighting the Wright Kiles Blackhawk Subdivision in Rockton, Illinois

Resources

Illinois EnvironMental Protection Agency

Resources on PFAS including routes of exposure, how to check bottled water for PFAS, more details of reducing exposure through water and health impacts of PFAS. Also, information on the federal and state regulations regarding PFAS.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Resources including the levels of PFAS, testing and removing PFAS from drinking water.

City of Rockford

Information about the City of Rockford Water and PFAS