Is De Soto, 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 ↓
91.6/100
waterverge.com De Soto, IL — Water Quality Report
De Soto's drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,910 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 De Soto's water
De Soto ranks #94 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, De Soto may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is De Soto, IL water safe to drink?
De Soto's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,910 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for De Soto
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into De Soto's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorite.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for De Soto's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
De Soto's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does De Soto's water come from?
De Soto's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,910 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What De Soto 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 De Soto
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near De Soto, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INTERTAPE POLYMER CORP CARBONDALE, IL62901 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
PENN ALUMINUM MURPHYSBORO, IL62966 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtJackson County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how De Soto compares by contaminant
Explore where De Soto ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where De Soto's water comes from
De Soto's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,910 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving De Soto
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE SOTO | IL0770200 | 1,910 | SWP |
How De Soto compares
Full Illinois rankings →De Soto's score of 91.6/100 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 Soto, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to De Soto's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is De Soto, IL tap water safe to drink?
De Soto's water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in De Soto's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is De Soto'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 Soto?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does De Soto's water come from?
De Soto's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,910 residents.
What health violations has De Soto's water system had?
De Soto has 2 health-based violations 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does De Soto's water compare to other cities?
De Soto ranks #94 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 89% of state cities) and #1590 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does De Soto's small water system affect quality?
De Soto's system serves approximately 1,910 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.