SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa spearheaded a new law that fortifies safe drinking water standards to ensure residents have access to clean water.

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

The law allows the Illinois Department of Public Health to impose civil penalties against non-community water supplies that violate drinking water standards and clarifies that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is the primary agency responsible for implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act, consistent with federal law.

Non-community public water systems are facilities, such as schools, factories, restaurants, resorts and churches, served by their own water supply, which is usually a well. 

“This law ensures every water source we rely on is safe,” said Villa.

Senate Bill 2266 was signed into law Monday and is effective immediately.