Is Camargo, 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 ↓
76.3/100
waterverge.com Camargo, IL — Water Quality Report
Camargo's drinking water received a grade of B (76.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 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 13 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Camargo's water
Camargo ranks #655 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Camargo purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Camargo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Camargo, IL water safe to drink?
Camargo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (76.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Camargo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Camargo's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Camargo'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
Camargo's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 7 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 Embarras River.
Where does Camargo's water come from?
Camargo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Embarras River (river).
What Camargo residents can do
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 Camargo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Camargo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CABOT CORP FMO DIV TUSCOLA, IL61953 | — | — | 9.1 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 Camargo'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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Camargo compares by contaminant
Explore where Camargo ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Camargo's water comes from
Camargo 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 Camargo'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 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Camargo
Camargo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Camargo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMARGO | IL0410100 | 750 | GWP |
How Camargo compares
Full Illinois rankings →Camargo's score of 76.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Camargo, IL
Wikipedia →Camargo is a village in Douglas County, Illinois, United States. The population was 452 at the 2020 census. Camargo is at the intersection of Illinois Route 130 and U.S. Route 36. Camargo is the oldest township in Douglas County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Camargo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Camargo, IL tap water safe to drink?
Camargo's water quality earned a grade of B (76.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #655 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Camargo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Camargo'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 Camargo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Camargo's water come from?
Camargo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Camargo's water system had?
Camargo has 7 health-based violations 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Camargo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Camargo 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 Camargo's water compare to other cities?
Camargo ranks #655 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 26% of state cities) and #9345 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Camargo's small water system affect quality?
Camargo's system serves approximately 750 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.