Is Arcola, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
waterverge.com Arcola, IL — Water Quality Report
Arcola's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,927 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 18 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arcola's water
Arcola ranks #565 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Arcola 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, Arcola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arcola, IL water safe to drink?
Arcola's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,927 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arcola
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arcola's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Arcola's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Arcola's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Embarras River, Kaskaskia River Below Ficklin, Kaskaskia River, Kaskaskia River Inflow.
Where does Arcola's water come from?
Arcola's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,927 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Embarras River (river), Kaskaskia River Below Ficklin (river), Kaskaskia River (river), Kaskaskia River Inflow (river).
What Arcola residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arcola'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.
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 Arcola
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Arcola, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
C.H.I. OVERHEAD DOORS ARTHUR, IL61911 | Chromium | 15 | 9.3 mi |
CARSTIN BRANDS LLC ARTHUR, IL61911 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
MASTERBRAND LLC ARTHUR, IL61911 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
CABOT CORP FMO DIV TUSCOLA, IL61953 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Douglas County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arcola compares by contaminant
Explore where Arcola ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arcola's water comes from
Arcola 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 Arcola'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 2,927 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Arcola
Arcola is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Arcola
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCOLA | IL0410050 | 2,927 | GWP |
How Arcola compares
Full Illinois rankings →Arcola's score of 80.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Arcola, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arcola's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Arcola, IL tap water safe to drink?
Arcola's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #565 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Arcola's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Arcola'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 Arcola?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arcola's water come from?
Arcola's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,927 residents.
What health violations has Arcola's water system had?
Arcola has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Arcola's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arcola 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 18 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 Arcola's water compare to other cities?
Arcola ranks #565 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 37% of state cities) and #8007 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Arcola's small water system affect quality?
Arcola's system serves approximately 2,927 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 18 violations on record.