Is De Pue, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com De Pue, IL — Water Quality Report
De Pue's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,838 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 30 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about De Pue's water
De Pue ranks #330 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
De Pue 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, De Pue may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is De Pue, IL water safe to drink?
De Pue's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,838 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for De Pue
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into De Pue's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 De Pue's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
De Pue's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bureau County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 East Bureau Creek.
Where does De Pue's water come from?
De Pue's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,838 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Bureau Creek (river).
What De Pue residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in De Pue'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.
De Pue'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 De Pue
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near De Pue, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN NICKELOID CO PERU, IL61354 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 6 | 8.3 mi |
W. H. MAZE CO -NAIL DIV PERU, IL61354 | Zinc compounds | 0 | 8.6 mi |
EPSILYTE LLC PERU, IL61354 | Styrene | 0 | 10.0 mi |
SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC PRINCETON, IL61356 | Lead | 0 | 9.5 mi |
WASHINGTON MILLS HENNEPIN INC HENNEPIN, IL61327 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of De Pue
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.
- DEPUE NEW JERSEY ZINC MOBIL CHEMICAL CORP0.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Bureau County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 De Pue compares by contaminant
Explore where De Pue ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where De Pue's water comes from
De Pue'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 1,838 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near De Pue
De Pue is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving De Pue
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE PUE | IL0110300 | 1,838 | GW |
How De Pue compares
Full Illinois rankings →De Pue's score of 86.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About De Pue, IL
Wikipedia →DePue is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,633 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to De Pue's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bureau
Frequently asked questions
Is De Pue, IL tap water safe to drink?
De Pue's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #330 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in De Pue's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is De Pue'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 De Pue?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does De Pue's water come from?
De Pue's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,838 residents.
What health violations has De Pue's water system had?
De Pue has 23 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is De Pue's groundwater at risk of contamination?
De Pue 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 30 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 De Pue's water compare to other cities?
De Pue ranks #330 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 63% of state cities) and #4778 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does De Pue's small water system affect quality?
De Pue's system serves approximately 1,838 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 30 violations on record.