Is Cullom, 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 ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Cullom, IL — Water Quality Report
Cullom's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 563 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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cullom's water
Cullom ranks #398 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cullom 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, Cullom may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cullom, IL water safe to drink?
Cullom's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 563 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cullom
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cullom's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Cullom'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
Cullom's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Livingston County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include North Fork Vermilion River.
Where does Cullom's water come from?
Cullom's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 563 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Vermilion River (river).
What Cullom residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cullom'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.
Cullom'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 Cullom
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cullom, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CHATSWORTH, IL60921 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Livingston County has experienced 3 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 Cullom'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. | 2.05 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cullom compares by contaminant
Explore where Cullom ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cullom's water comes from
Cullom'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 563 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cullom
Cullom is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cullom
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CULLOM | IL1050200 | 563 | GW |
How Cullom compares
Full Illinois rankings →Cullom's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Cullom, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cullom's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Livingston
Frequently asked questions
Is Cullom, IL tap water safe to drink?
Cullom's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #398 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Cullom's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Cullom'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 Cullom?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cullom's water come from?
Cullom's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 563 residents.
What health violations has Cullom's water system had?
Cullom has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cullom's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cullom 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 Cullom's water compare to other cities?
Cullom ranks #398 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 55% of state cities) and #5702 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cullom's small water system affect quality?
Cullom's system serves approximately 563 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.