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Freeport council advances update to city code on wells and septic systems to next meeting
Summary
Staff presented proposed code updates to prohibit replacement of private wells and septic systems inside city limits; council voted 8–0 to move the ordinance forward for adoption at the next meeting.
The City of Freeport moved forward with an ordinance update intended to bring the city’s well and septic regulations in line with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and U.S. EPA guidance.
Public Works Director Darren Stiegl reported an ordinance audit found the city’s current language governing private wells and septic systems is outdated and could pose risks to the municipal drinking water supply. He said Freeport has invested over $20 million addressing PFAS contamination in some wells and that the proposed ordinance would prevent replacement of private wells and septics within the city and require future connections to city water when service or replacement becomes necessary.
Director Stiegl said the proposed updates align with IEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Department of Public Health standards and are intended to protect the municipal aquifer and the city’s recent investments in new wells and water infrastructure. He noted the change is primarily housekeeping to make existing restrictions clearer and to prevent future stand‑alone septic and private well replacements inside the city.
Council discussed the scope and confirmed the city does not currently have an active contamination emergency; rather, the measures follow past contamination events that prompted investments and are intended to reduce future risk. Alderman Stacy asked how many properties rely on septic; staff replied the exact number is unknown but estimated roughly 5% of the city’s ~11,000 customers are on septic or private wells.
Motion to move the ordinance forward for adoption at the next regularly scheduled council meeting passed by voice vote with the clerk announcing, “Opposed? Motion carries 8 to 0.”
Outcome: Council authorized moving the ordinance amendment forward to the next meeting for consideration and possible adoption.
Why it matters: The ordinance would deny new or replacement private wells and septic systems in city limits and aims to reduce contamination risk to the municipal water supply and avoid future large cleanup costs for taxpayers.
