What you need to know about PFAs in Naperville, IL

 

What you need to know about PFAs in Naperville, IL

Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are a growing concern for communities across Illinois, including Naperville. Here’s what you should know about PFAS in your area—and what you can do to ensure your water stays clean and safe.

1. Why PFAs matter

PFAS are human‑made chemicals used for their resistance to oil and water. Since the 1940s, they’ve been part of everyday products—nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, stain‑resistant fabrics—but unfortunately, PFAS also persist in the environment and accumulate in our bodies over time. Research links these substances to health issues like developmental delays, thyroid disruption, certain cancers, and more.

2. New Illinois PFAs limits and right‑to‑know alerts

On April 11, 2025, the Illinois Pollution Control Board finalized and published new groundwater quality standards for six PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and GenX. These legal limits—set at low parts‑per‑trillion levels—trigger mandatory notifications when exceeded. Following that, the Illinois EPA issued Right‑to‑Know notices to 47 community water systems (CWS) whose recent samples showed PFAS exceedances. Of these, 21 are systems with direct detections, affecting about 406,000 people, and 26 are connected systems drawing from those sources, impacting another ~32,000 individuals.

3. Is Naperville’s water at risk?

Naperville is supplied mostly by treated Lake Michigan water, which historically tests well for PFAS. Illinois EPA's statewide testing (completed in 2021) and ongoing UCMR 5 monitoring haven’t flagged Naperville as a high‑risk source. However, groundwater‑supplied systems with elevated levels can impact connected communities. If Naperville’s network draws even partially from nearby groundwater systems, there’s potential for contamination and notifications, though none have been issued. To be sure, check Naperville’s annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR). Illinois law requires CWS to issue CCRs annually, reporting detected contaminants and health impacts. These reports give the most transparent view of local water quality.

4. How PFAs enter community water systems

PFAS contamination stems from industrial sites, firefighting training areas, landfills, and other sources that leach into groundwater and surface water. The Illinois EPA’s systematic sampling revealed widespread presence of PFAS, even if many systems meet the new standards.

 

Most Naperville water comes from surface water (Lake Michigan), which tends to be stewarded and monitored closely. Groundwater, however, isn’t immune. Treatment plants may blend sources, and even small traces can accumulate over time, especially if PFAS levels hover near legal limits.

5. What you should do now

a. Watch for official notices.
CWS operators have five business days to alert customers via email, mail, phone, or text once they receive a PFAS exceedance notice from Illinois EPA, then must confirm completion within seven days epa.illinois.gov+1epa.illinois.gov+1.

b. Review annual water reports.
Naperville’s CCR will list any detected PFAS and whether the levels exceeded federal or state health benchmarks. These reports are public and often found on the utility’s website or mailed to residents.

c. Consider point‑of‑use filters.
If notified or if you're cautious, use a certified PFAS-reducing filter—look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification. These activated-carbon systems effectively remove PFOA, PFOS, and other long-chain PFAS from household drinking water.

d. Reduce other PFAS exposures.
Aside from water, PFAS are found in certain nonstick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant clothing, and personal care products. Cutting back on these reduces your overall exposure epa.illinois.gov+3epa.illinois.gov+3epa.illinois.gov+3.

6. How Illinois and Naperville address PFAs

Illinois’s recent rulemaking makes the state one of the most proactive in the country on PFAS regulation and transparency . The Illinois EPA’s PFAS Investigation Interactive Dashboard (from 2021) and the ongoing UCMR 5 sampling ensure deep data on contamination epa.illinois.gov+1Wikipedia+1.

Local utilities must monitor, report, and publish findings annually. Naperville’s Public Works or Water & Wastewater Services departments publish these results consistently—if PFAS levels remain below detection or standards, that’s a good indicator.

7. Moving forward: keeping Naperville safe

PFAS won’t break down, so vigilance is key:

• Pay attention to local water utility alerts and CCRs.

• Stay informed about nearby groundwater sources that feed into Naperville.

• Advocate for regular monitoring and proactive removal systems.

• Consider installing certified filters as a precaution.

In Summary

What you need to know about PFAs in Naperville, IL boils down to:

• Illinois now enforces strict PFAS standards and requires public notices for exceedances.

• Naperville’s water system has not triggered alerts, but staying informed is essential.

• You can see water quality data in CCRs and utilities updates.

• You’re empowered to take action—right now—through home filters and lifestyle choices.

At Prairie State Water Solutions, we’re committed to helping Naperville residents navigate evolving PFAS challenges. By knowing your system, reviewing official reports, and staying proactive, you can ensure the water flowing through your home is clean and safe.

 

Contact us today for a consultation and start enjoying the benefits of filtered water. Call us at 1‑630‑864‑7078.