Is Deer Creek, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Deer Creek, IL — Water Quality Report
Deer Creek's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 647 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Deer Creek's water
Deer Creek ranks #180 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Deer Creek 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, Deer Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Deer Creek, IL water safe to drink?
Deer Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 647 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Deer Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Deer Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. 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 Deer Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Deer Creek's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tazewell County has experienced 6 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 Mackinaw River.
Where does Deer Creek's water come from?
Deer Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 647 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mackinaw River (river).
What Deer Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Deer Creek'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.
Deer Creek'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 Deer Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Deer Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MATCOR METAL FABRICATION MORTON, IL61550 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
MATCOR METAL FABRICATION MORTON, IL61550 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
MORTON INDUSTRIES LLC MORTON, IL61550 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN CORP (ELECTRONIC MOTION & CONTROLS D MORTON, IL61550 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
BRADLEY SERVICES INC MORTON, IL61550 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tazewell County has experienced 6 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Deer Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Deer Creek ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Deer Creek's water comes from
Deer Creek'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 647 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Deer Creek
Deer Creek is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Deer Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEER CREEK | IL1794320 | 647 | GW |
How Deer Creek compares
Full Illinois rankings →Deer Creek's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Deer Creek, IL
Wikipedia →Deer Creek is a village in Tazewell and Woodford counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 667 at the 2020 census. Deer Creek is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Deer Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tazewell
Frequently asked questions
Is Deer Creek, IL tap water safe to drink?
Deer Creek's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #180 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Deer Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Deer Creek'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 Deer Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Deer Creek's water come from?
Deer Creek's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 647 residents.
What health violations has Deer Creek's water system had?
Deer Creek has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Deer Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek's water compare to other cities?
Deer Creek ranks #180 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 80% of state cities) and #2865 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Deer Creek's small water system affect quality?
Deer Creek's system serves approximately 647 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.