A new law signed Monday seeks to strengthen safe drinking water standards.
[Health News Illinois].

The proposal, effective immediately, gives the Department of Public Health the authority to impose civil penalties against facilities with non-community water supplies, or those served by their own water supply, that violate drinking water standards. 

The law also clarifies that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is the primary agency responsible for implementing the state’s drinking water law.

The plan passed the General Assembly in May along party lines.

Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat from West Chicago who sponsored the plan, said Monday the law would protect those who use such non-community water systems at places like schools, factories and restaurants. She said the law will guarantee “every water source we rely on is safe.”

“When people are out in the community, they deserve to know that the water they use is safe,” she said. “Safe drinking water standards must be enforced to secure the health of our communities.”

###