Is Atkinson, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Atkinson, IL — Water Quality Report
Atkinson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 955 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 14 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Atkinson's water
Atkinson ranks #441 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Atkinson 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, Atkinson 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 Atkinson, IL water safe to drink?
Atkinson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 955 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Atkinson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Atkinson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Atkinson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Atkinson's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Atkinson's water come from?
Atkinson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 955 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Illinois River (river).
What Atkinson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Atkinson'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 Atkinson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Atkinson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PATRIOT RENEWABLE FUELS LLC DBA CHS INC. ANNAWAN, IL61234 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Atkinson compares by contaminant
Explore where Atkinson ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Atkinson's water comes from
Atkinson'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 955 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Atkinson
Atkinson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Atkinson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATKINSON | IL0730200 | 955 | GW |
How Atkinson compares
Full Illinois rankings →Atkinson's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Atkinson, IL
Wikipedia →Peru is a city in LaSalle and Bureau counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,896 at the 2020 census, down from 10,295 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. Peru and its twin city, LaSalle, make up the core of Illinois Valley.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Atkinson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henry
Frequently asked questions
Is Atkinson, IL tap water safe to drink?
Atkinson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #441 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Atkinson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Atkinson'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 Atkinson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Atkinson's water come from?
Atkinson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 955 residents.
What health violations has Atkinson's water system had?
Atkinson has 3 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Atkinson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Atkinson 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 14 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 Atkinson's water compare to other cities?
Atkinson ranks #441 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 51% of state cities) and #6414 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Atkinson's small water system affect quality?
Atkinson's system serves approximately 955 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 14 violations on record.