Is Dalzell, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.7/100
Dalzell, IL — Water Quality Report
Dalzell's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dalzell's water
Dalzell ranks #520 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Dalzell 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, Dalzell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dalzell, IL water safe to drink?
Dalzell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dalzell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dalzell's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dalzell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dalzell's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Dalzell's water come from?
Dalzell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 663 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Illinois River (river).
What Dalzell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dalzell'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 Dalzell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dalzell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,020 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARUS LLC LASALLE SITE LA SALLE, IL61301 | Barium | 997 | 4.7 mi |
ILLINOIS CEMENT CO LA SALLE, IL61301 | Manganese | 16 | 5.2 mi |
AMERICAN NICKELOID CO PERU, IL61354 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 6 | 2.7 mi |
W. H. MAZE CO -NAIL DIV PERU, IL61354 | Zinc compounds | 0 | 3.0 mi |
EPSILYTE LLC PERU, IL61354 | Styrene | 0 | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Dalzell
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.
- LASALLE ELECTRIC UTILITIES3.9 mi
- MATTHIESSEN AND HEGELER ZINC COMPANY4.8 mi
- DEPUE NEW JERSEY ZINC MOBIL CHEMICAL CORP7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dalzell compares by contaminant
Explore where Dalzell ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dalzell's water comes from
Dalzell'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 663 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dalzell
Dalzell is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dalzell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DALZELL | IL0110250 | 663 | GW |
How Dalzell compares
Full Illinois rankings →Dalzell's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Dalzell, IL
Wikipedia →Peru is a city in LaSalle and Bureau counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,896 at the 2020 census, down from 10,295 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. Peru and its twin city, LaSalle, make up the core of Illinois Valley.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dalzell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bureau
Frequently asked questions
Is Dalzell, IL tap water safe to drink?
Dalzell's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #520 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Dalzell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Dalzell'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 Dalzell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dalzell's water come from?
Dalzell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 663 residents.
What health violations has Dalzell's water system had?
Dalzell has 1 health-based violation 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dalzell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dalzell 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 11 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 Dalzell's water compare to other cities?
Dalzell ranks #520 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 42% of state cities) and #7369 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dalzell's small water system affect quality?
Dalzell's system serves approximately 663 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 11 violations on record.