PFAS (pER- AND pOLYFLUOROALKYL sUBSTANCES)
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
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
- Use City Water
- Get a Carbon Water Filter or Home Water Treatment System
- 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
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.
Wright Kiles Blackhawk Subdivision
- PFAS have been found 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 extra precaution to:
- Take steps to remove PFAS from their drinking water.
- Get a carbon water filter
- Get a home water filter
- Connect to City Water
- Test any wells not hooked up to municipal water AND not already tested for PFAS
- Take steps to remove PFAS from their drinking water.
- Pregnant women and children under 6 should not drink water that contains PFAS
Community Open House for One on One Answers
If you live in the health notice area above, come to an open house to speak with representative from multiple agencies one on one who will be onsite to answer your questions.
Representative From:
- Winnebago County Health Department
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Winnebago County
- Rockton Township
- Village of Rockton
- Tuesday, April 25, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
- Rockton Township, 1315 N Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL 61072
