Is Carbon Cliff, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Carbon Cliff, IL — Water Quality Report
Carbon Cliff's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,134 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 32 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carbon Cliff's water
Carbon Cliff ranks #549 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Carbon Cliff 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, Carbon Cliff may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carbon Cliff, IL water safe to drink?
Carbon Cliff's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,134 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carbon Cliff
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carbon Cliff's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carbon Cliff's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carbon Cliff's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rock Island County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Miss R, Crow Creek At Bettendorf.
Where does Carbon Cliff's water come from?
Carbon Cliff's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,134 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Miss R (river), Crow Creek At Bettendorf (river).
What Carbon Cliff residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carbon Cliff'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Carbon Cliff'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 Carbon Cliff
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carbon Cliff, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,214,847 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FRESH MEATS INC - JOSLIN IL HILLSDALE, IL61257 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,197,525 | 9.5 mi |
ARCONIC US LLC BETTENDORF, IA52722 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 17,313 | 4.7 mi |
JOHN DEERE SEEDING & CYLINDER MOLINE, IL61265 | Manganese | 9 | 7.2 mi |
RILCO ROCK ISLAND, IL61201 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
JOHN DEERE HARVESTER WORKS EAST MOLINE EAST MOLINE, IL61244 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Rock Island County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carbon Cliff compares by contaminant
Explore where Carbon Cliff ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carbon Cliff's water comes from
Carbon Cliff'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 2,134 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carbon Cliff
Carbon Cliff is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carbon Cliff
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARBON CLIFF | IL1610100 | 2,134 | GW |
How Carbon Cliff compares
Full Illinois rankings →Carbon Cliff's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Carbon Cliff, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carbon Cliff's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rock Island
Frequently asked questions
Is Carbon Cliff, IL tap water safe to drink?
Carbon Cliff's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #549 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Carbon Cliff's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Carbon Cliff'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 Carbon Cliff?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carbon Cliff's water come from?
Carbon Cliff's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,134 residents.
What health violations has Carbon Cliff's water system had?
Carbon Cliff has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carbon Cliff's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carbon Cliff 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 32 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 Carbon Cliff's water compare to other cities?
Carbon Cliff ranks #549 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 38% of state cities) and #7841 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carbon Cliff's small water system affect quality?
Carbon Cliff's system serves approximately 2,134 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 32 violations on record.