WaterVerge

Is Alhambra, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

755 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IL1190050
Overall Score
92.2 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#78 of 891 in Illinois Top 9% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.2/100
waterverge.com
A 92.2/100

Alhambra, IL — Water Quality Report

Alhambra's drinking water received a grade of A (92.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 755 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Alhambra's water

Alhambra ranks #78 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Alhambra may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.2 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Alhambra, IL water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Alhambra's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 755 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

1
Active Violations
2.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Alhambra

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alhambra's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.2/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alhambra's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Alhambra's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Aug 2006 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2006 Arsenic Resolved
Jul 1991 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Madison County has experienced 6 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.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4461
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3230
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-997

Where does Alhambra's water come from?

Alhambra's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 755 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Alhambra residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Alhambra'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 18% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
5 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Arsenic Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Aug 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2006 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2006
Jul 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1991
Jun 1977 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1981
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Madison County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4461
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3230
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #997
Apr 1979
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #583
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #373
Aug 1969
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #276

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
755
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Alhambra's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Alhambra's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 755 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Alhambra

System Name PWSID Population Source
ALHAMBRA IL1190050 755 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Alhambra compares

Full Illinois rankings →

Alhambra's score of 92.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Alhambra (this city)
92.2
Chicago
35.2
Aurora
45.5
Joliet
38.5
Naperville
81.2
Champaign
91.9
Illinois avg
56
City Profile

About Alhambra, IL

Wikipedia →

Alhambra is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 622 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$59,886
Median Income
$721/mo
Median Rent
7.9%
Unemployment
Community
47.5
Median Age
318
People / sq mi
18.1%
College Educated
67.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Alhambra, IL tap water safe to drink?

Alhambra's water quality earned a grade of A (92.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #78 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.

What contaminants are in Alhambra's water?

Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Alhambra'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 Alhambra?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Alhambra's water come from?

Alhambra's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 755 residents.

What health violations has Alhambra's water system had?

Alhambra has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

How does Alhambra's water compare to other cities?

Alhambra ranks #78 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 91% of state cities) and #1353 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Alhambra's small water system affect quality?

Alhambra's system serves approximately 755 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 6 violations on record.