Private Potable Water
The Potable Water Program of the Environmental Health Division helps protect the water Vermilion County residents drink. Following the guidelines of the Illinois Department of Public Health Water Well Construction Code and the Illinois Department of Public Health Water Well Pump Installation Code, the Potable Water Program enforces standards for the installation of new wells, the repair of existing wells, and the sealing of abandoned wells.
The ultimate goal of the Potable Water Program is to protect the water Vermilion County residents drink from waterborne illness transmission and chemical contamination. The Vermilion County Health Department does this by issuing permits for new wells, inspecting newly constructed or repaired wells, inspecting non-community water systems, testing private well water, surveying existing wells during real estate transactions and overseeing the sealing of abandoned wells. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates municipal water supplies.
With the introduction of Geothermal Heating and Cooling system, the Illinois Department of Public Health has added to the Well construction code sections to address the construction and abandonment of vertical closed loop wells. Closed loop well permits must be obtained through the Vermilion County Health Department by submitting a completed permit application and paying the appropriate fee.
Water Well Testing
For a fee, the Health Department will analyze water from wells that are part of real estate transactions. Such home loan inspections are done at the request of buyers, financial institutions, or any other party involved in the transaction. Samples are tested for bacterial contaminants and nitrate content. If high nitrate content is identified, the owner is advised to provide bottled water for any child six months of age or younger. If coliform bacteria is identified, the owner is advised to disinfect the well. Once the disinfection procedures are followed, follow-up samples are taken to determine the suitability of the water for drinking.
Vermilion County residents are able to pick up test kits at the Health Department on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Instructions for sampling will be given to the residents. Once sample bottles are filled and paperwork is completed, the filled bottles must be returned to the Health Department on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The filled sample bottle must be returned to the department on the same day in which the water was collected. Residents will be contacted by the Health Department with the test results and will be provided with information regarding their wells.
More information is available contact the Environmental Health Director
Resources
- 77 Ill Adm. Code Part 925 Illinois Water Well Pump Installation Code
- 77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 920 Illinois Water Well Construction Code
- SHOCK CHLORINATION OF A PRIVATE WELL
- Vermilion County Ordinance Governing Water Wells
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Water Well Licensed Contractors