Is Arthur, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.8/100
waterverge.com Arthur, IL — Water Quality Report
Arthur's drinking water received a grade of B (78.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 7,164 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 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arthur's water
Arthur ranks #598 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Arthur purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
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 Arthur, IL water safe to drink?
Arthur's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 7,164 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Arthur
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arthur's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.8/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Arthur'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
Arthur's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 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 Kaskaskia River Below Ficklin, Lake Fork, Kaskaskia River, Kaskaskia River Inflow.
Where does Arthur's water come from?
Arthur's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 7,164 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kaskaskia River Below Ficklin (river), Lake Fork (river), Kaskaskia River (river), Kaskaskia River Inflow (river).
What Arthur residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arthur'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 Arthur
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Arthur, 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 | 0.3 mi |
CARSTIN BRANDS LLC ARTHUR, IL61911 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
MASTERBRAND LLC ARTHUR, IL61911 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
CABOT CORP FMO DIV TUSCOLA, IL61953 | — | — | 8.8 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Arthur'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Arthur compares by contaminant
Explore where Arthur ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arthur's water comes from
Arthur 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 Arthur'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 7,164 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Arthur
Arthur is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Arthur
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST PRAIRIE WATER COMPANY | IL0410030 | 4,800 | GWP |
| ARTHUR | IL1394040 | 2,300 | GW |
| EGYPTIAN TRAIL WATER CORP | IL0415150 | 64 | GWP |
How Arthur compares
Full Illinois rankings →Arthur's score of 78.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arthur's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Arthur, IL tap water safe to drink?
Arthur's water quality earned a grade of B (78.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #598 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Arthur's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Arthur'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 Arthur?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arthur's water come from?
Arthur's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 7,164 residents.
Is Arthur's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Arthur 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 Arthur's water compare to other cities?
Arthur ranks #598 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 33% of state cities) and #8502 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.