Is Clifton, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61/100
waterverge.com Clifton, IL — Water Quality Report
Clifton's drinking water received a grade of C (61 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,555 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 50 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clifton's water
Clifton ranks #806 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Clifton 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, Clifton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clifton, IL water safe to drink?
Clifton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,555 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clifton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clifton's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61/100).
Contaminants: Pentachlorophenol, 2,4,5-TP, Simazine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. 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 Clifton'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
Clifton's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iroquois 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 Iroquois River.
Where does Clifton's water come from?
Clifton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,555 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iroquois River (river).
What Clifton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clifton'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
Flood & disaster history
Iroquois 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 Clifton'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. | 2.2 | 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. | 1.58 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clifton compares by contaminant
Explore where Clifton ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clifton's water comes from
Clifton'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 1,555 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Clifton
Clifton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clifton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLIFTON | IL0750250 | 1,500 | GW |
| LA BELLA OF CLIFTON | IL0755389 | 55 | GW |
How Clifton compares
Full Illinois rankings →Clifton's score of 61/100 is on par with the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Clifton, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clifton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iroquois
Frequently asked questions
Is Clifton, IL tap water safe to drink?
Clifton's water quality earned a grade of C (61/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #806 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Clifton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Clifton'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 Clifton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clifton's water come from?
Clifton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,555 residents.
What health violations has Clifton's water system had?
Clifton 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clifton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clifton 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 50 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 Clifton's water compare to other cities?
Clifton ranks #806 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 10% of state cities) and #12024 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.