Water Remains Safe Despite Public Health Notice

(Undated) — Water customers countywide have started receiving an envelope in the mail marked “Public Health Notice.” According to officials, earlier this month, the Robinson-Palestine Water Commission was notified of the results of a test conducted in September of 2024. The test showed a level of .6 parts per trillion over the maximum concentration level for “PFAS” or “forever chemicals.” According to local officials, for comparison, 1 part per trillion is equivalent to 1 second in 32 years. PFAS are a group of several thousand human-made chemicals that are manufactured for their oil and water-resistant properties. The Illinois EPA says that since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in a wide range of consumer products, industrial processes, and in some fire-fighting foams. This has resulted in PFAS being released into the air, water, and soil. The public is reminded that the water remains safe to drink. For more information about PFAS, visit epa.illinois.gov.