Serving as the primary source of drinking water for municipalities and homeowners across fourteen counties in Central Illinois, the Mahomet Aquifer is a fundamental element to our neighborhoods.
Due to its immense importance within our own community, the City has partnered with other communities and other affected parties, including: Champaign County and Dewitt County; the cities of Urbana, Delevan, Clinton, and Gilman; the Town of Normal; the villages of Armington, Savoy, Mahomet, Mansfield, Watseka, and Waynesfield; the University of Illinois; and the Illinois American Water Company to protect this vital resource.
Currently the aquifer is vulnerable to contamination and needs to be preserved for future generations. Designating the aquifer as a sole source aquifer (SSA) can provide additional federal protection to ensure its use for future generations. SSA Designation provides additional federal protection by requiring U.S. EPA review of all federally funded projects to ensure that they will not harm the aquifer’s water supply.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has proposed the approval of a petition to designate a portion of the Mahomet aquifer system in east central Illinois as a sole source. On May 13th at 7:30 p.m., the U.S. EPA will host a public hearing at the Hilton Garden Inn. An informational session in advance of the public hearing will occur from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
Written comments can be sent to William Spaulding U.S. EPA (WG – 15J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 or [email protected]. Mr. Spaulding can also be contacted at 312-886-9262. To learn more about the aquifer, please visit our website at https://champaignil.gov/departments/public-works/residents/the-mahomet-aquifer/