Is Ashmore, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.2/100
waterverge.com Ashmore, IL — Water Quality Report
Ashmore's drinking water received a grade of C (63.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 637 residents using groundwater.
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 47 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ashmore's water
Ashmore ranks #793 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ashmore relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Ashmore may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ashmore, IL water safe to drink?
Ashmore's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 637 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ashmore
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ashmore's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-438). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ashmore's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ashmore's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Coles County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Ashmore's water come from?
Ashmore's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 637 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ashmore residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ashmore'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 Ashmore
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ashmore, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OX ENGINEERED PRODUCTS CHARLESTON, IL61920 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
VESUVIUS USA CHARLESTON PLANT CHARLESTON, IL61920 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Coles County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Ashmore compares by contaminant
Explore where Ashmore ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ashmore's water comes from
Ashmore's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 637 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ashmore
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASHMORE | IL0290050 | 637 | GW |
How Ashmore compares
Full Illinois rankings →Ashmore's score of 63.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Ashmore, IL
Wikipedia →Ashmore is a village in the Ashmore Township in Coles County, Illinois, United States. The population was 637 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area. Ashmore, Illinois is the only incorporated community in the United States called "Ashmore."
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ashmore's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coles
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashmore, IL tap water safe to drink?
Ashmore's water quality earned a grade of C (63.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #793 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Ashmore's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Ashmore'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 Ashmore?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ashmore's water come from?
Ashmore's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 637 residents.
Is Ashmore's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ashmore 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 47 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 Ashmore's water compare to other cities?
Ashmore ranks #793 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 11% of state cities) and #11791 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ashmore's small water system affect quality?
Ashmore's system serves approximately 637 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 47 violations on record.