Lemont Reports High Level of Radium in Drinking Water

A monthly test of Lemont’s water system revealed a level of contamination that violated the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.

April test results showed an amount of radium greater than the maximum allowed in two of the wells from which Lemont draws its water, but Mayor Brian Reaves said during a Village Board Monday that the water does not pose a health risk. Residents will receive a letter this week informing them of the contamination.

The letter states that while drinking water may reasonably be expected to contain some contaminants, recent test results received April 16 showed that two wells had combined radium levels that exceeded the maximum level allowed in drinking water.

The village tests its wells on a monthly basis. Additional samples have since been sent for testing by an independent lab, where results showed the contamination to be at an acceptable level.

The Village will increase its testing to weekly rounds, as precaution.

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