Illinois environmental officials say the state will continue to enforce its own drinking water protections for PFAS chemicals, even as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moves to roll back some federal standards.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that have been linked to various health concerns and are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. These chemicals are commonly found in products such as firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging.
Illinois EPA Director James Jennings noted that the state has been testing community water systems for PFAS contamination since 2020. Illinois has already enacted state-level groundwater and drinking water regulations to limit PFAS presence in public water supplies.
While the federal government first issued health advisories for PFAS in 2016, national drinking water standards were not finalized until 2024. Illinois subsequently adopted similar standards at the state level.
Under current Illinois regulations, community water systems must complete initial PFAS monitoring by April 2027, with ongoing testing required thereafter. Compliance requirements are set to begin in 2029.
State officials emphasize that Illinois remains committed to monitoring and reducing PFAS levels in drinking water systems throughout the state, regardless of changes at the federal level.