ROCHELLE – The RMU Water Department has been notified of radium levels exceeding the standard limit set by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The standard for combined radium is 5 pico curies per liter (PCI/L). The level of combined radium was 8 PCI/L at Well 12 on Hayes Road.
This is not an emergency; however, Rochelle Municipal Utilities discloses all violations to customers. If it were an emergency, all affected customers would be notified immediately.   

Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is present in varying amounts in rocks and soil within the earth’s crust. Small amounts of radium also can be found in groundwater supplies.  
Well No. 12 was taken offline in August 2018 and a radium treatment plant will be built at the location. Earlier this year, the city contracted with Illinois State University to conduct a research study to evaluate the groundwater in our area.  
RMU is working with the Illinois Environmental Agency (IEPA) to evaluate the water supply and researching options to correct the problem.
For more information, please contact Rochelle Municipal Utilities at 815-562-4155.