GALESBURG, Ill. (KWQC) - Galesburg city leaders unanimously approved drilling two wells to test for chemicals in the city’s water supply Monday night.

In 2021, city officials learned of the presence of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the city’s water supply.

City Manager Eric Hanson said the new wells will be drilled out of the flood plain in Oquawka, where the water has tested positive in the past for contaminants.

He said if these test wells fall in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, the city would be in good shape for future regulations.

“If these come to fruition and have sufficient water, we would be able to deal with this regulation far ahead of the 2031 EPA mandate,” he said.

It will cost the city $132,775 to drill the two wells, and

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