SPRINGFIELD, IL — Trichloroethylene (TCE) is in the raw source water and finished water supplies of at least three Illinois communities, according to November 20 news releases from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).

The city of Rockford, the village of Fox River Grove, and the Six Oaks Mobile Home Park, located south of Pecatonica, all recently received notice from the IEPA confirming levels of TCE in both raw and finished water supplies. In all cases, TCE levels exceeded 2.5 parts per billion (ppb) — a level that does not yet exceed the Class I groundwater quality standard for TCE of 5.0 ppb that both federal and state law allows in drinking water.

IEPA spokeswoman Maggie Carson was quoted in a November 21 Rockford Register Star article about the notification sent to the city of Rockford’s Public Works Department: “This is a precautionary notification. The water supply is still in compliance.”

Carson said Rockford water officials first detected the TCE during routine water testing, and as required by law, submitted a sample to the state EPA for confirmation.

The source of the TCE in Rockford water and how it entered the water supply have not been determined, the Register Star reported. Carson said it is up to the city to determine how to correct the situation.

TCE, a volatile organic chemical, is a colorless or blue liquid with a chloroform-like odor, used mainly as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, those who consume drinking water with levels of TCE in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

To access a copy of the IEPA notifications, click here.

For related information, click here.