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SB 4004

AQUIFER PROTECTION ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Balkema and 6 co-sponsors

Illinois proposes establishing aquifer protections to safeguard groundwater from contamination and depletion, affecting agricultural, industrial, and municipal water users.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Erica Harriss
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Bill Summary · SB 4004

Legislative bill overview

SB 4004, the Aquifer Protection Act, is legislation introduced in Illinois by Senator Chapin Rose designed to establish or strengthen protections for the state's aquifer systems. The bill has recently been assigned to the Executive committee and referred to the AI and Social Media committee as of February 2026. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the filing information, aquifer protection bills typically address groundwater contamination prevention, extraction limits, or land-use regulations near sensitive water sources.

Why is this important

Illinois relies significantly on groundwater for drinking water and agricultural irrigation, making aquifer health critical to public health and the state's farming economy. Contamination or depletion of aquifers can result in costly remediation, reduced water availability, and long-term environmental damage that affects both rural and urban communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural and industrial opposition – Farming operations and businesses may resist restrictions on water extraction or land-use limitations near aquifers due to increased operational costs
  • Regulatory burden and compliance – Small municipalities and private well owners could face significant expenses implementing new monitoring or protection standards
  • State versus local authority – Disputes may arise over whether the state or local governments should enforce aquifer protections and set extraction limits

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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