The concentrations detected in Village water are well below the US EPA published Lifetime Health Advisory Level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt). Notably, both the US EPA Lifetime Health Advisory Levels and Illinois EPA Health-Based Guidance Levels are measured in ppt, where many drinking water compounds are measured in parts per billion (ppb). As a frame of reference, one part per trillion is roughly the equivalent of one drop in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

What is the Village of Northbrook doing?

On November 16, 2021 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked the agency’s Science Advisory Board to review draft scientific documents regarding the health effects of certain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). EPA is committed to science-based approaches to protect public health from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, including by quickly updating drinking water health advisories with new peer-reviewed approaches and expeditiously developing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for these contaminants (proposed rule fall 2022, final rule fall 2023). NPDWRs are legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems. Primary standards protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water.

The Village is following recommendations from the Illinois EPA and closely monitoring the latest health-based guidance. We will continue monitoring PFAS values through quarterly sampling at the direction of the Illinois EPA. The most recent test results will be added to the above chart on this web page, once available.

Which water treatment technologies are the water utility evaluating that are effective at removing PFAS in drinking water?

The Northbrook water production plant would begin assessing treatment technologies that can effectively remove PFAS from drinking water once the final rule has been proposed and adhere to the final rule making guidance. The treatment technologies include activated carbon treatment, ion exchange resins, and high pressure membranes, like nanofiltration or reverse osmosis. Below is a brief summary of each treatment option:

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) – Chemicals like PFAS stick to the small pieces of carbon as the water passes through.

Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) – The carbon is powdered and is added to the water. The chemicals then stick to the powdered carbon as the water passes through.

Ion Exchange Resins –Small beads (called resins) are made of hydrocarbons that work like magnets. The chemicals stick to the beads and are removed as the water passes through.

Nanofiltration and reverse osmosis –A process where water is pushed through a membrane with small pores. The membrane acts like a wall that can stop chemicals and particles from passing into drinking water.

There are things to consider with each of these technologies, including costs and operational feasibility, which would need to be weighed by the needs of the community as well as our wholesale customer base. These technologies can be used in drinking water treatment facilities, in water systems in hospitals, or individual buildings or even in homes.

Should I drink bottled water?

Not necessarily. If you choose to drink bottled water, check to make sure you are obtaining bottled water from a supplier who is testing for PFAS in their water supply, or that your bottled water is treated through a process to remove PFAS, such as reverse osmosis.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has established the following limits for their members providing bottled water to consumers:

5 parts per trillion for one PFAS
10 parts per trillion for more than one PFAS

A list of IBWA members can be found on their website. Please note that this group does not represent all bottled-water manufacturers. Also, look on the bottled water label for information about reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration methods as they are the two technologies most commonly used for PFAS removal.

Are there home water treatment options?

Yes. Home point of use (POU) filters can help reduce/remove PFAS chemicals. A few brands that have had favorable results are:

ZeroWater
Clearlyfiltered
Aquasana

Household removal of PFAS from drinking water requires the use of products such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis (RO), or anion exchange filters. These may be point-of-use treatments installed underneath the kitchen sink or countertop pitcher options that are refilled by the consumer as needed; both options require the filters to be changed at regular intervals. For private water well users who do not receive water from a community water supply, certified whole home treatments may be an option. When choosing a treatment, consider water usage, which faucets are used for water for drinking, cooking and making ice, and the type of PFAS identified through testing. Refrigerators with water and ice dispensers may need to be connected to the treatment source.

Treatment options should be tested by an independent third party to show effectiveness of reducing PFAS. NSF International has a list of filtration systems that have been certified to remove PFOA and PFOS. Products can be certified through NSF Protocol P473, NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (filters), or NSF/ANSI Standard 58 (reverse osmosis) to ensure the uniform testing of treatment filters to effectively reduce and remove PFOA and PFOS. Since other PFAS vary in their chemical makeup, they may not be removed as efficiently.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to properly maintain and change filters for the type of treatment you choose. Used filters should be disposed of in household trash.

The cost of treatment depends on the type of treatment chosen. Initial costs can range from $100 - $1,200 with annual media (filter) replacement costs around $200 each year.

Boiling water does not destroy PFAS. You can safely use your water for bathing and showering as PFAS is not easily absorbed into the skin.

Where can I find more information?

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Barb Lieberoff, Office of Community Relations
epa.pfas@illinois.gov
217-524-3038

Illinois Department of Public Health
Brian Koch, Division of Environmental Health
Brian.Koch@illinois.gov
217-782-5830

If you have questions for the Northbrook Water Production Plant, please email Joe Rizzo, Utilities Superintendent, at joseph.rizzo@northbrook.il.us or call 847-272-4711. The 2021 Annual Water Quality Report contains information about the Village's water quality.