Is Carrier Mills, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com Carrier Mills, IL — Water Quality Report
Carrier Mills's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,085 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 33 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carrier Mills's water
Carrier Mills ranks #216 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Carrier Mills purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Carrier Mills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carrier Mills, IL water safe to drink?
Carrier Mills's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,085 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carrier Mills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carrier Mills's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Carrier Mills's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Carrier Mills's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Saline 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 South Fork Saline River Nr Carrier Mills, Middle Fork Saline River.
Where does Carrier Mills's water come from?
Carrier Mills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,085 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Saline River Nr Carrier Mills (river), Middle Fork Saline River (river).
What Carrier Mills residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carrier Mills'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSaline County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Saline 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 Carrier Mills'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. | 5.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carrier Mills compares by contaminant
Explore where Carrier Mills ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carrier Mills's water comes from
Carrier Mills 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 Carrier Mills'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 2,085 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carrier Mills
Carrier Mills is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carrier Mills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARRIER MILLS | IL1650050 | 2,085 | GWP |
How Carrier Mills compares
Full Illinois rankings →Carrier Mills's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Carrier Mills, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carrier Mills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is Carrier Mills, IL tap water safe to drink?
Carrier Mills's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #216 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Carrier Mills's water?
Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Carrier Mills'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 Carrier Mills?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carrier Mills's water come from?
Carrier Mills's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,085 residents.
What health violations has Carrier Mills's water system had?
Carrier Mills has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carrier Mills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carrier Mills 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 33 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 Carrier Mills's water compare to other cities?
Carrier Mills ranks #216 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 76% of state cities) and #3420 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carrier Mills's small water system affect quality?
Carrier Mills's system serves approximately 2,085 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 33 violations on record.