Governor Bruce Rauner has announced appointments to the Mahomet Aquifer Task Force, which has been charged with protection of the Mahomet Aquifer, a primary source of drinking water for 500,000 central Illinois residents.

Rauner said, “People throughout central Illinois depend on the Mahomet Aquifer for drinking water. Developing a plan to maintain the quality of groundwater is an important part of ensuring the long-term health and safety of these residents.”

The aquifer provides 53 million gallons of water each year to 120 public water systems and helps supply water for rural wells. The Mahomet Aquifer Task Force was developed through legislation (Senate Bill 611) signed into law by the governor August 25.

Senators Chapin Rose and Scott Bennett have both been appointed to serve on the task force. Rose said “This talented group of people ensures central Illinois has great representation on the Mahomet Aquifer Task Force.”

The Mahomet Aquifer Task Force was established to develop a plan to maintain groundwater quality; determine potential and current contamination threats; determine any action to be taken to protect the Mahomet Aquifer; and develop legislative recommendations that would help protect the Mahomet Aquifer in the future.

The task force must submit its report and solutions to the General Assembly by July 1, 2018.

94.1 WGFA