Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed the Safe Public Drinking Water Act into law. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 0727 (SB0727), aims to improve drinking water quality by addressing harmful contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane.

The Safe Public Drinking Water Act sets out a comprehensive plan to enhance water safety across the state:

• Statewide Sampling for 1,4-Dioxane: By June 30, 2026, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandated to conduct sampling of community water supplies for 1,4-dioxane. This follows up on earlier testing conducted between 2013 and 2015. If levels exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Health Reference Level of 35 micrograms per liter, the state will begin developing its own maximum contaminant level (MCL) for this chemical.
• PFAS Regulations: The law requires Illinois to adopt federal standards for PFAS within one year of their establishment by the U.S. EPA. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are linked to serious health risks and are found in various consumer products and industrial processes.
• Development of State-Specific Standards: In cases where federal guidelines are insufficient or absent, Illinois will establish its own MCLs for hazardous chemicals like 1,4-dioxane. The Illinois Pollution Control Board is required to finalize these state-specific rules by June 30, 2030.
• Annual Stakeholder Review: To stay ahead of emerging threats, the Illinois EPA will convene a stakeholder group annually. This group will assess chemicals posing substantial health risks and recommend new or revised state-specific MCLs.

PFAS and 1,4-dioxane have been identified as significant public health hazards due to their persistence in the environment and potential links to cancer and other diseases. By establishing a framework for regular monitoring and proactive rulemaking, the state aims to ensure safer drinking water for all residents.

The Illinois EPA will now begin preparations for statewide sampling efforts and stakeholder consultations. Additionally, the agency will closely monitor federal developments regarding PFAS regulations to align state policies with national standards.