Recent News

Pharmaceuticals: The sampling results and report on a pilot project to test public water supplies for pharmaceuticals are now available. A news release is also available.

November 6, 2008: Streambank Cleanup And Lakeshore Enhancement (SCALE) Program Applications Deadline - December 12, 2008

2009 Scale Grant Applications

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is taking applications for the 2009 SCALE Program through December 12, 2008.

The 2009 SCALE program provides small grants to organizations to conduct litter collection events along Illinois streambanks and lakeshores in calendar year 2009. The grant amounts range from $500 to $3,500. Funds can be used for safety attire (includes gloves and vests), litter bags, event promotion, logistical needs and dumpster or landfill fees. Events designed to remove woody debris or invasive species do not qualify for the SCALE program.

The SCALE funds are available only to organizations that already have established, recurring streambank or lakeshore cleanups. Applications will be selected for funding based on the event's proximity to Illinois EPA's priority waters, the number of people who have participated in past events and the size of the cleanup area.

You may apply online for the 2009 Scale Grant program. Further information is available in the 2009 SCALE brochure.

Guidance for Submittal of Surface Water Data
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IL EPA) is soliciting monitoring data on Illinois surface waters from external sources covering the period from January 2004 to the present. The data must be sent by August 15, 2007. All data must be accompanied by a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). Electronic submission is preferred, but data may also be mailed using the address provided.

IL EPA welcomes water quality data from organizations such as government agencies, universities, research organizations, community volunteer monitoring groups and private industry. This information will be considered in preparing the 2008 Integrated Report (IR) on Illinois water quality (due April 1, 2008). Section 305(b) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states to prepare a water quality inventory of its surface waters every two years. Section 303(d) requires states to prepare a list of impaired surface waters for which comprehensive water quality studies (i.e., Total Maximum Daily Load studies) must be prepared to help guide restoration and other management efforts.

Detailed instructions for data submittal are found at: www.epa.state.il.us/water/waterquality/guidance.html

Community Water Supply Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Water Mains and Water Service Lines

Current Features

Emergency Preparedness
When an emergency strikes, inadequate preparation can cause a small problem to escalate quickly into a disaster. Having the proper information in easily accessible locations, being able to obtain the resources needed to address the emergency, and communicating among individuals within the public water supply service area are important keys to address any emergency.

Drinking Water Watch
The Drinking Water Watch Web Portal allows citizens to directly access drinking water monitoring data and other information for community water systems in Illinois. The information is of interest not only to consumers of the water supply but nearby private well owners can also quickly check on potential contamination threats.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)
Despite substantial improvements in the nation's water quality since the inception of the Clean Water Act, nearly 40 percent of the nation's assessed waters show impairments from a wide range of sources. Improper management of manure from CAFOs is among the many contributors to remaining water quality problems.

Safe Drinking Water Information System
View SDWIS Monitoring Schedules and Consumer Confidence Reports specific to your water system.

The eDMR System has been developed so that NPDES permittees with a computer and an Internet connection can complete, sign, submit, edit, and re-submit eDMR forms on-line.