Winnebago County gets federal funding to prevent against ‘forever chemical’ contamination in water supply

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Winnebago County will receive federal funding to upgrade its water infrastructure, to address contamination by “forever chemicals.”

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin (D) and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D) helped secure the funding through four bipartisan appropriation bills.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down in the environment and can build up in people and animals. They have been used in multiple products, such as nonstick cookware, waterproof or stain-resistant clothing, and more, since the 1940s.

Winnebago County is receiving $600,000 to extend a water main and Machesney Park and Roscoe will receive $1.5 million to reconstruct a well to prevent PFAS contamination.

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