Is Dawson, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.2/100
waterverge.com Dawson, IL — Water Quality Report
Dawson's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,375 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 46 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dawson's water
Dawson ranks #820 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Dawson 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, Dawson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 37 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dawson, IL water safe to drink?
Dawson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,375 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dawson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dawson's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.2/100).
Contaminants: BHC-GAMMA, Toxaphene, Dalapon.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-438). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dawson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dawson's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 37 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sangamon County has experienced 2 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 South Fork Sangamon River, South Fork Sangamon River Below Rochester, Sugar Creek, Sangamon River, Lake Fork.
Where does Dawson's water come from?
Dawson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,375 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Sangamon River (river), South Fork Sangamon River Below Rochester (river), Sugar Creek (river), Sangamon River (river), Lake Fork (river).
What Dawson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dawson'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 Dawson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dawson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 181 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CITY WATER LIGHT & POWER CITY OF SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD, IL62703 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 181 | 10.0 mi |
SOLOMON COLORS INC. SPRINGFIELD, IL62702 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sangamon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dawson compares by contaminant
Explore where Dawson ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dawson's water comes from
Dawson'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 2,375 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dawson
Dawson is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dawson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAWSON | IL1670400 | 2,375 | GW |
How Dawson compares
Full Illinois rankings →Dawson's score of 57.2/100 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 Dawson, IL
Wikipedia →Dawson is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 519 at the 2020 census. It is about 10 miles (16 km) east of Springfield and is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dawson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sangamon
Frequently asked questions
Is Dawson, IL tap water safe to drink?
Dawson's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #820 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Dawson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Dawson'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 Dawson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dawson's water come from?
Dawson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,375 residents.
Is Dawson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dawson 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 46 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 Dawson's water compare to other cities?
Dawson ranks #820 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 8% of state cities) and #12385 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dawson's small water system affect quality?
Dawson's system serves approximately 2,375 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 46 violations on record.