Is Alto Pass, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Alto Pass, IL — Water Quality Report
Alto Pass's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,015 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 41 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alto Pass's water
Alto Pass ranks #195 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Alto Pass purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Alto Pass may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alto Pass, IL water safe to drink?
Alto Pass's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,015 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alto Pass
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alto Pass's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Alto Pass's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Alto Pass's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Union 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.
Where does Alto Pass's water come from?
Alto Pass's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,015 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Alto Pass residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alto Pass'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.
Alto Pass'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtUnion County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Union 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alto Pass compares by contaminant
Explore where Alto Pass ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alto Pass's water comes from
Alto Pass purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Alto Pass's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,015 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Alto Pass
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALTO PASS WATER DISTRICT | IL1815150 | 1,015 | GWP |
How Alto Pass compares
Full Illinois rankings →Alto Pass's score of 89/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Alto Pass, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alto Pass's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Alto Pass, IL tap water safe to drink?
Alto Pass's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #195 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Alto Pass's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Alto Pass'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 Alto Pass?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alto Pass's water come from?
Alto Pass's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,015 residents.
What health violations has Alto Pass's water system had?
Alto Pass has 33 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alto Pass's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alto Pass 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 41 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 Alto Pass's water compare to other cities?
Alto Pass ranks #195 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 78% of state cities) and #3124 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alto Pass's small water system affect quality?
Alto Pass's system serves approximately 1,015 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 41 violations on record.