Is Chrisman, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
40.7/100
waterverge.com Chrisman, IL — Water Quality Report
Chrisman's drinking water received a grade of F (40.7 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 72 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chrisman's water
Chrisman ranks #876 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Chrisman 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, Chrisman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chrisman, IL water safe to drink?
Chrisman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chrisman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chrisman's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-438). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chrisman'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
Chrisman's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Edgar County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Chrisman's water come from?
Chrisman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chrisman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chrisman'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
Flood & disaster history
Edgar County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Chrisman'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. | 3.2 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chrisman compares by contaminant
Explore where Chrisman ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chrisman's water comes from
Chrisman 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 Chrisman'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chrisman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRISMAN | IL0450100 | 1,200 | GWP |
How Chrisman compares
Full Illinois rankings →Chrisman's score of 40.7/100 is below the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Chrisman, IL
Wikipedia →Chrisman is a city in Ross Township, Edgar County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,312 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chrisman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Edgar
Frequently asked questions
Is Chrisman, IL tap water safe to drink?
Chrisman's water quality earned a grade of F (40.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #876 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Chrisman's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Chrisman'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 Chrisman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chrisman's water come from?
Chrisman's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has Chrisman's water system had?
Chrisman has 36 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. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chrisman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chrisman 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 72 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 Chrisman's water compare to other cities?
Chrisman ranks #876 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 2% of state cities) and #15113 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chrisman's small water system affect quality?
Chrisman's system serves approximately 1,200 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 72 violations on record.