Is Ashton, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Ashton, IL — Water Quality Report
Ashton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 967 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ashton's water
Ashton ranks #404 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ashton 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, Ashton 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 Ashton, IL water safe to drink?
Ashton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 967 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ashton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ashton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). 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 Ashton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ashton's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lee County has experienced 5 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 Ashton's water come from?
Ashton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 967 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ashton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ashton'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.
Ashton'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 Ashton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ashton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WEC CO OREGON, IL61061 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
ROCHELLE FOODS LLC ROCHELLE, IL61068 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
SILGAN CONTAINERS MANUFACTURING CORP ROCHELLE, IL61068 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
HIXSON LUMBER CO LLC ROCHELLE, IL61068 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
FORGE GROUP CARDINAL LLC DBA CARDINAL FORGE CO ROCHELLE, IL61068 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lee County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ashton compares by contaminant
Explore where Ashton ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ashton's water comes from
Ashton'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 967 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ashton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASHTON | IL1030100 | 967 | GW |
How Ashton compares
Full Illinois rankings →Ashton's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Ashton, IL
Wikipedia →Ashton is a village in Lee County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ashton had a population of 967.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ashton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lee
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashton, IL tap water safe to drink?
Ashton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #404 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Ashton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Ashton'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 Ashton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ashton's water come from?
Ashton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 967 residents.
Is Ashton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ashton 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 12 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 Ashton's water compare to other cities?
Ashton ranks #404 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 55% of state cities) and #5793 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ashton's small water system affect quality?
Ashton's system serves approximately 967 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 12 violations on record.