Is Clay City, 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 ↓
90.6/100
waterverge.com Clay City, IL — Water Quality Report
Clay City's drinking water received a grade of A (90.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 957 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 15 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clay City's water
Clay City ranks #129 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Clay City 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, Clay City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clay City, IL water safe to drink?
Clay City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 957 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clay City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clay City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Clay City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clay City's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clay 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 Little Wabash River Below Clay City.
Where does Clay City's water come from?
Clay City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 957 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Wabash River Below Clay City (river).
What Clay City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clay City'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.
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 Clay City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clay City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HELLA ELECTRONICS CORP FLORA, IL62839 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO FLORA, IL62839 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
NORTH AMERICAN LIGHTING INC FLORA, IL62839 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clay 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.
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clay City compares by contaminant
Explore where Clay City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clay City's water comes from
Clay City 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 Clay City'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 957 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clay City
Clay City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clay City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAY CITY | IL0250050 | 957 | GWP |
How Clay City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Clay City's score of 90.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Clay City, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clay City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clay
Frequently asked questions
Is Clay City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Clay City's water quality earned a grade of A (90.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #129 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Clay City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Clay City'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 Clay City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clay City's water come from?
Clay City's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 957 residents.
What health violations has Clay City's water system had?
Clay City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clay City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clay City 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 15 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 Clay City's water compare to other cities?
Clay City ranks #129 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 86% of state cities) and #2139 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clay City's small water system affect quality?
Clay City's system serves approximately 957 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 15 violations on record.