Is Cordova, 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 ↓
70.9/100
waterverge.com Cordova, IL — Water Quality Report
Cordova's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,602 residents using groundwater.
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 40 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cordova's water
Cordova ranks #731 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cordova 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, Cordova may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cordova, IL water safe to drink?
Cordova's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,602 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cordova
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cordova's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Cordova'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
Cordova's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rock Island County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Miss R, Crow Creek At Bettendorf.
Where does Cordova's water come from?
Cordova's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,602 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Miss R (river), Crow Creek At Bettendorf (river).
What Cordova residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cordova'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.
Cordova'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cordova
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cordova, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,198,134 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FRESH MEATS INC - JOSLIN IL HILLSDALE, IL61257 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,197,525 | 9.7 mi |
3M CHEMICAL OPERATIONS' CORDOVA FACILITY CORDOVA, IL61242 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 595 | 7.5 mi |
EQUISTAR CHEMICALS CLINTON PLANT CLINTON, IA52732 | Naphthalene | 14 | 9.4 mi |
JOHNSON MANUFACTURING CO PRINCETON, IA52768 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 1.0 mi |
MCKAY'S PLATING CO HAMPTON, IL61256 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cordova
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LAWRENCE TODTZ FARM7.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Rock Island County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cordova'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. | 1.53 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cordova compares by contaminant
Explore where Cordova ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cordova's water comes from
Cordova'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 1,602 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cordova
Cordova is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cordova
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAPIDS CITY | IL1610600 | 962 | GW |
| CORDOVA | IL1610150 | 640 | GW |
How Cordova compares
Full Illinois rankings →Cordova's score of 70.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Cordova, IL
Wikipedia →Rapids City is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 964 at the time of the 2020 census; up from 959 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cordova's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rock Island
Frequently asked questions
Is Cordova, IL tap water safe to drink?
Cordova's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #731 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Cordova's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Cordova'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 Cordova?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cordova's water come from?
Cordova's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,602 residents.
What health violations has Cordova's water system had?
Cordova has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cordova's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cordova 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 40 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 Cordova's water compare to other cities?
Cordova ranks #731 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 18% of state cities) and #10658 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.