Notice of PFAs in City Water

Dear Freeport Resident,

Routine testing detected PFAS “forever chemicals” in four of Freeport’s production wells. In approximately 2017, two wells showed the highest levels and were immediately removed from service. Two additional wells contained only trace amounts and stayed in reserve until we could safely replace their capacity.

How we’re protecting your water:

• Switched to PFAs‑free sources: We began supplying water exclusively from two deep‑aquifer wells that contain no detectable PFAs.
• Added a new PFAs‑free well (Well 11): Drilled at Field Circle and placed in service in fall 2023, Well 11 also has no detectable PFAs. Its addition allowed us to retire the two trace‑contaminated wells.
• Designing Well 12: Construction plans are under way. When this final well is online, we will permanently abandon the older shallow wells and close the original water‑treatment plant.

The City’s water is safe to drink. All water currently delivered to homes and businesses comes from PFAs‑free wells and meets every state and federal safety standard. We test regularly and will continue to adjust our system to keep your water safe.

Stay informed:

• Consumer Confidence Report: Annual water‑quality results are posted at https://cityoffreeport.org/directory2/water-and-sewer/
• PFAs information: Visit the IEPA website at epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/pfas.html.
• Questions: Please call (815) 396-3548 or email compliance@cityoffreeport.org.

Sincerely,
William “Rob” Boyer III
City Manager

Link: IEPA Notice Letter

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