State sues south suburban village over contaminated water

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed a lawsuit against a Chicago suburb for allegedly drawing drinking water from a contaminated well for decades.

It accuses Crestwood of knowingly providing false information about the water to more than 11,000 residents and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. It seeks thousands of dollars in penalties.

Among those named in the lawsuit filed Tuesday with the Circuit Court of Cook County are current Mayor Robert Stranczek and two former officials.

The Chicago Tribune first reported that state officials in the mid-1980s found the well contained chemicals linked to cancer. But Crestwood allegedly continued using it.

A message seeking comment from Crestwood officials wasn't returned.