Is Albany, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
53.2/100
waterverge.com Albany, IL — Water Quality Report
Albany's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 39 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Albany's water
Albany ranks #835 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Albany relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Albany may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Albany, IL water safe to drink?
Albany's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Albany
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Albany's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Albany's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Albany's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Whiteside County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Mississippi River, Beaver Slough At 3Rd Street At Clinton, Mississippi River At Clinton.
Where does Albany's water come from?
Albany's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 846 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river), Beaver Slough At 3Rd Street At Clinton (river), Mississippi River At Clinton (river).
What Albany residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Albany's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Albany's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Albany
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Albany, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 23,803 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADM CORN PROCESSING CLINTON, IA52732 | Methanol | 23,194 | 2.2 mi |
3M CHEMICAL OPERATIONS' CORDOVA FACILITY CORDOVA, IL61242 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 595 | 1.9 mi |
EQUISTAR CHEMICALS CLINTON PLANT CLINTON, IA52732 | Naphthalene | 14 | 4.5 mi |
JOHNSON MANUFACTURING CO PRINCETON, IA52768 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 9.9 mi |
AGRI-KING INC. FULTON, IL61252 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Albany
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LAWRENCE TODTZ FARM3.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Whiteside County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Albany's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Albany compares by contaminant
Explore where Albany ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Albany's water comes from
Albany's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 846 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Albany
Albany is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Albany
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALBANY | IL1950050 | 846 | GW |
How Albany compares
Full Illinois rankings →Albany's score of 53.2/100 is on par with the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Albany, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Albany's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whiteside
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany, IL tap water safe to drink?
Albany's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #835 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Albany's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Albany's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Albany?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Albany's water come from?
Albany's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 846 residents.
What health violations has Albany's water system had?
Albany has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Albany's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Albany uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 39 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Albany's water compare to other cities?
Albany ranks #835 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 6% of state cities) and #12709 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Albany's small water system affect quality?
Albany's system serves approximately 846 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 39 violations on record.