Is Crescent City, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.9/100
waterverge.com Crescent City, IL — Water Quality Report
Crescent City's drinking water received a grade of A (93.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Crescent City's water
Crescent City ranks #35 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Crescent City 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, Crescent City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Crescent City, IL water safe to drink?
Crescent City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Crescent City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crescent City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Crescent City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Crescent City's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
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 Sugar Creek.
Where does Crescent City's water come from?
Crescent City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar Creek (river).
What Crescent City 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.
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 Crescent City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Crescent City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INCOBRASA INDUSTRIES LTD GILMAN, IL60938 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Crescent City compares by contaminant
Explore where Crescent City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Crescent City's water comes from
Crescent City'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 650 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Crescent City
Crescent 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 Crescent City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRESCENT CITY | IL0750300 | 650 | GW |
How Crescent City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Crescent City's score of 93.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Crescent City, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Crescent City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iroquois
Frequently asked questions
Is Crescent City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Crescent City's water quality earned a grade of A (93.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #35 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Crescent City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Crescent 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 Crescent City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Crescent City's water come from?
Crescent City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 650 residents.
What health violations has Crescent City's water system had?
Crescent City has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Crescent City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Crescent 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 13 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 Crescent City's water compare to other cities?
Crescent City ranks #35 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 96% of state cities) and #689 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Crescent City's small water system affect quality?
Crescent City's system serves approximately 650 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.