Is Bismarck, 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 ↓
81.6/100
waterverge.com Bismarck, IL — Water Quality Report
Bismarck's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bismarck's water
Bismarck ranks #522 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bismarck 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, Bismarck may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bismarck, IL water safe to drink?
Bismarck's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bismarck
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bismarck's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Bismarck'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
Bismarck's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Vermilion County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Middle Fork Vermilion River Above Oakwood, North Fork Vermilion River.
Where does Bismarck's water come from?
Bismarck's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Fork Vermilion River Above Oakwood (river), North Fork Vermilion River (river).
What Bismarck residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bismarck'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 Bismarck
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bismarck, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,000 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THYSSENKRUPP CRANKSHAFT CO LLC DANVILLE, IL61834 | Lead | 1,000 | 6.8 mi |
THYSSENKRUPP CRANKSHAFT LLC DANVILLE, IL61834 | Chromium | 1,000 | 9.7 mi |
WATCH FIRE DANVILLE, IL61832 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
VISCOFAN USA INC DANVILLE, IL61834 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
BRAINERD CHEMICAL MIDWEST LLC DANVILLE, IL61834 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Vermilion County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Bismarck'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bismarck compares by contaminant
Explore where Bismarck ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bismarck's water comes from
Bismarck'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 900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bismarck
Bismarck is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bismarck
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BISMARCK COMMUNITY WATER DISTRICT | IL1835250 | 900 | GW |
How Bismarck compares
Full Illinois rankings →Bismarck's score of 81.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Bismarck, IL
Wikipedia →Bismarck is a village in Newell Township, Vermilion County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Danville, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 582 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bismarck's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vermilion
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck, IL tap water safe to drink?
Bismarck's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #522 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Bismarck's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Bismarck'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 Bismarck?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bismarck's water come from?
Bismarck's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 900 residents.
What health violations has Bismarck's water system had?
Bismarck has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bismarck's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bismarck 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 13 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 Bismarck's water compare to other cities?
Bismarck ranks #522 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 41% of state cities) and #7410 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bismarck's small water system affect quality?
Bismarck's system serves approximately 900 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 13 violations on record.