Is Chapin, 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 ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Chapin, IL — Water Quality Report
Chapin's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 658 residents using gup.
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. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chapin's water
Chapin ranks #476 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
As a small community water system, Chapin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chapin, IL water safe to drink?
Chapin's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 658 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Chapin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chapin's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Chapin'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
Chapin's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morgan County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Chapin's water come from?
Chapin's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 658 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Chapin 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.
Chapin'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
Flood & disaster history
Morgan County has experienced 7 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 Chapin'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. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chapin compares by contaminant
Explore where Chapin ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chapin's water comes from
Chapin's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 658 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chapin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHAPIN | IL1370050 | 658 | GUP |
How Chapin compares
Full Illinois rankings →Chapin's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Chapin, IL
Wikipedia →Chapin is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 475 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chapin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morgan
Frequently asked questions
Is Chapin, IL tap water safe to drink?
Chapin's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #476 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Chapin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Chapin'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 Chapin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chapin's water come from?
Chapin's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 658 residents.
What health violations has Chapin's water system had?
Chapin has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chapin's water compare to other cities?
Chapin ranks #476 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 47% of state cities) and #6786 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chapin's small water system affect quality?
Chapin's system serves approximately 658 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.