The City of Collinsville would like to thank all of the residents and water customers who have reached out and shared their concerns regarding PFAS in Collinsville's water supply.

 

This issue is deeply important to our community, and we hope to provide you all with as much clarity as possible.

 

City leadership has been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes on multiple fronts related to PFAS, and we will be providing additional updates throughout next week. In the meantime, here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we've been receiving:

 

Collinsville’s water comes from the American Bottoms Aquifer, which is recharged by the Mississippi River. PFAS contamination is not unique to Collinsville; these chemicals are man-made and originate from industrial activity. Unfortunately, they persist in the environment for decades. In Illinois, about 50% of public water supplies have detectable PFAS, and 17% are above new EPA standards.

 

The exact source of PFAS in our aquifer is unknown. What we do know is PFAS chemicals came from industrial products and waste discharged into the environment.

 

PFAS contamination varies by water source. Neighboring communities may use different aquifers or river intakes. Our source aquifer has tested above the new EPA standard, which triggered the required public notifications.

 

The City is working with engineering consultants (WHKS) to evaluate and design a specialized PFAS treatment system at the Water Treatment Plant. The goal is to have these systems online by early 2029. We are also in active discussions with county, state, and federal officials to explore assistance programs, particularly for low-income households.

 

Installing PFAS removal systems is a large-scale infrastructure project. It involves design, pilot testing, regulatory approvals, construction, and tie-ins to an operating water plant. Current projections are:

2026–2027: Design and pilot testing

2028: Construction start

2029: System operational

We are communicating with our Congressional and State Reps to see if we can expedite the IEPA review process in a manner which still meets all of the regulatory guidelines but hopefully shortens the process.

 

No. Tap water remains safe for bathing, laundry, and household uses. For drinking and cooking, residents are advised to use filters certified to remove PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58). Boiling water does not remove PFAS.

 

The new plant was designed beginning in 2012 and completed in 2019 – before PFAS regulations and testing standards were established in late 2020. Retrofitting it with PFAS treatment is what we are now pursuing.

 

Yes. Guidance has been provided through mailed notices, the City’s website, utility bill inserts, public meetings, media coverage, and social media. To summarize: water is safe for bathing, laundry, and general household use, but filtered water should be used for drinking and cooking.

 

At this time, the City is focused on securing assistance programs to help residents – particularly with filters – while the long-term solution is built. No compensation program has been finalized yet, but we will make public announcements once available.

 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is overseeing standards and compliance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also monitoring PFAS nationwide.

 

Yes. Proven technologies like granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange can reduce PFAS to safe levels. The challenge lies in scaling these solutions for municipal systems, which is what Collinsville is actively working on.

 

The City continues to monitor PFAS levels and share results publicly. Updates are provided via mailed notices, Council meetings, the City Scoop newsletter, social media, media interviews, and the City’s PFAS webpage. Citizens will continue to receive updates as new information and milestones are reached.

 

We understand how concerning this is, and remain committed to both transparency and safety. We encourage residents to continue to check our PFAS webpage – where are FAQs and updates are posted – at www.collinsvilleil.org/pfas