Illinois Groundwater Protection Act

The Illinois Groundwater Protection Act (IGPA) (P.A. 85-0863, 1987) responds to the need to manage groundwater quality by emphasizing a prevention-oriented process. The IGPA is a comprehensive law which relies upon a state and local partnership. Although the IGPA is directed toward protection of groundwater as a natural and public resource, special provisions target drinking water wells. The IGPA responds to the need to protect groundwater quality and establishes a unified groundwater protection program by:

• Setting a groundwater protection policy;
• Enhancing cooperation;
• Establishing water well protection zones;
• Providing for surveys, mapping, and assessments;
• Establishing authority for recharge area protection;
• Requiring groundwater quality standards; and
• Requiring technology control regulations.