2021 Will County Groundwater Quality Sampling
The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois is completing a followup to a 1993 study on shallow groundwater quality in Will County. Numerous wells throughout the county, owned by parks, businesses, and private citizens, have been identified as useful sites for the sampling. Beginning on March 24, 2021, sampling is ongoing.
ISWS researcher Vlad Iordache filters water being sampled to remove excess particulate matter.
ISWS researcher Daniel Abrams records the readings of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and other parameters from a groundwater sample.
Project Goals
The primary goal of this research project is to understand the impacts of deicing salts on shallow groundwater chemistry. Additional analyses will identify patterns of groundwater chemistry - e.g., pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, metals and other compounds - in Will County.
Since the sampling data will be used for future publications, all well owners' personal data will be stripped from the records; that is, the well owners' confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained. Sampling points may be shown in maps in future publications. However, these maps will be county-wide and will not facilitate the identification of exact sampling locations.
ISWS researchers measure specific conductivity (2060 microS/cm) at a retention pond in Will County.
Sampling equipment, vials, and protection gear (gloves) laid out and organized before use at a field site.
What sites are best for sampling?
We are looking for sites with faucets or taps running pre-treatment or untreated water from the well. For example, this would include outdoor spigots, preferably threaded to accommodate a hose attachment. Specifically, the ISWS wants to sample raw groundwater; that is, groundwater conditions prior to water softening or any other treatment.
If you are unsure whether your well will work for us to sample, give us a call and we can answer your questions.
Benefits to having your well sampled
The ISWS will send you the results of the chemical analyses to you - via mail or email - as soon as the laboratory work is finished. This will enable all who participate to have a free - no cost to you, funded by the Will County Board - record of the natural groundwater conditions in your own backyard.
More Information
For more information about the project or to volunteer your well to be sampled, at no cost, contact:
Devin Mannix
(217) 244-2419
mannix@illinois.edu
