Agricultural chemicals in rural, private water wells in Illinois: recommendations for a statewide survey

The concern over the potential for agricultural chemical contamination (pesticides and nitrates) of groundwater is based on: 1) agricultural chemicals are extensively used; 2) groundwater is the only source of drinking water in many areas; 3) aquifers occur at shallow depths (40% of area by aquifers within 50ft of surface); 4) pesticide contamination of groundwater has been found in other midwestern states. The report, written in cooperation with the Illinois State Water Survey, presents recommendations for the design of a survey to determine the level of occurrence of agricultural chemicals in rural private wells. The report discusses: 1) the potential for agricultural chemicals to contaminate groundwater 2) previous research, and state and federal groundwater monitoring plans; 3) experimental design for a statewide survey of agricultural chemical contamination of wells; and 4) recommendations for implementation of the survey and development of a comprehensive monitoring programme. -after Authors