SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons introduced legislation to increase support for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s clean drinking water programs across the state.

“This funding will help us stay ahead of emerging contaminants in drinking water,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Every community has a right to clean and safe drinking water, and we need to stay diligent in the state of Illinois.”

Under Senate Bill 1609, $5 million would be allocated to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency each year to support clean drinking water initiatives. The Illinois EPA recently notified 47 public water systems in Illinois that their water contains PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” underscoring the need for sustainable funding for clean water initiatives.

“With this funding, we can test more comprehensively for dangerous forever chemicals, perchlorates, and cyanotoxins,” said Simmons. “We must ensure no community is left behind when it comes to addressing drinking water pollution.”

Senate Bill 1609 was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

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