Illinois Advances PFAS Monitoring in Wastewater

On April 16, the Illinois Senate passed SB 3917, a proposed bill to address PFAS contamination in our waterways. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are a group of toxic compounds that persist in the environment and accumulate over time. They are widely used in industrial processes and consumer products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam, and can enter our waterways through wastewater discharges or leaching from land-applied fertilizer made from recycled wastewater solids (biosolids). SB 3917 strengthens transparency and accountability by requiring expanded PFAS testing in wastewater and ongoing monitoring at major facilities.

For Friends of the Chicago River, we believe this bill lays the groundwork to better understand and ultimately reduce PFAS pollution across the Chicago-Calumet River system in protection of aquatic life. PFAS can build up in fish and other wildlife, moving up the food chain and causing reproductive harm, immune system suppression, and other health impacts. By requiring consistent monitoring, SB 3917 provides the data needed to drive future action, strengthen protections, and prevent further contamination of our waterways.

Contact your State Representative and urge them to support SB 3917:

Suggested message:

Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I live in [Your City]. I am calling to ask Representative [Last Name] to support SB 3917 to expand PFAS monitoring in Illinois waterways. These chemicals pose serious risks to water quality, ecosystems, and public health, and this bill is an important step toward addressing the problem.

You can’t manage what you don’t measure, and this bill will help us get started with comprehensive PFAS control measures.