Is Arenzville, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Arenzville, IL — Water Quality Report
Arenzville's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,497 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 24 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arenzville's water
Arenzville ranks #359 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Arenzville 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, Arenzville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arenzville, IL water safe to drink?
Arenzville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,497 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arenzville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arenzville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Arenzville'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
Arenzville's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Arenzville's water come from?
Arenzville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,497 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Arenzville residents can do
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.
Arenzville'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 Arenzville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Arenzville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,016,031 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JBS/SWIFT PORK CO BEARDSTOWN, IL62618 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,016,031 | 8.0 mi |
KENT NUTRITION GROUP INC BEARDSTOWN, IL62618 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cass County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Arenzville'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.51 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.510 mg/L (2009)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Arenzville compares by contaminant
Explore where Arenzville ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arenzville's water comes from
Arenzville 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 Arenzville'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,497 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Arenzville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARENZVILLE RURAL WATER COOPERATIVE | IL0170080 | 675 | GWP |
| ARENZVILLE | IL0170050 | 419 | GW |
| CASS RURAL WATER DISTRICT | IL0170010 | 403 | GWP |
How Arenzville compares
Full Illinois rankings →Arenzville's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Arenzville, IL
Wikipedia →Arenzville is a village in Cass County, Illinois, United States. The population was 367 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arenzville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Arenzville, IL tap water safe to drink?
Arenzville's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #359 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Arenzville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Arenzville'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 Arenzville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arenzville's water come from?
Arenzville's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,497 residents.
What health violations has Arenzville's water system had?
Arenzville has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Arenzville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arenzville 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 24 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 Arenzville's water compare to other cities?
Arenzville ranks #359 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 60% of state cities) and #5173 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.