Is Carlock, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Carlock, IL — Water Quality Report
Carlock's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 562 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 34 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carlock's water
Carlock ranks #369 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Carlock 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, Carlock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carlock, IL water safe to drink?
Carlock's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 562 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carlock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carlock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-373). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carlock'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
Carlock's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McLean County has experienced 2 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. Local water sources include Sixmile Creek, Mackinaw River, Sugar Creek.
Where does Carlock's water come from?
Carlock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 562 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sixmile Creek (river), Mackinaw River (river), Sugar Creek (river).
What Carlock 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 Carlock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carlock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARGILL INC BLOOMINGTON, IL61701 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC GOODFIELD, IL61742 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE NORMAL, IL61761 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
McLean County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Carlock'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. | 4.27 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carlock compares by contaminant
Explore where Carlock ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carlock's water comes from
Carlock'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 562 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carlock
Carlock is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carlock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARLOCK | IL1130250 | 562 | GW |
How Carlock compares
Full Illinois rankings →Carlock's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Carlock, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carlock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlock, IL tap water safe to drink?
Carlock's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #369 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Carlock's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Carlock'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 Carlock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carlock's water come from?
Carlock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 562 residents.
What health violations has Carlock's water system had?
Carlock has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carlock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carlock 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 34 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 Carlock's water compare to other cities?
Carlock ranks #369 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 59% of state cities) and #5321 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carlock's small water system affect quality?
Carlock's system serves approximately 562 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 34 violations on record.