Is Downs, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.2/100
waterverge.com Downs, IL — Water Quality Report
Downs's drinking water received a grade of B (75.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,251 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 77 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Downs's water
Downs ranks #671 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Downs 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, Downs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Downs, IL water safe to drink?
Downs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,251 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Downs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Downs's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-373). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Downs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Downs's water system has 77 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McLean County has experienced 2 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 Kickapoo Creek, Little Kickapoo Creek.
Where does Downs's water come from?
Downs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,251 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kickapoo Creek (river), Little Kickapoo Creek (river).
What Downs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Downs'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 Downs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Downs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARGILL INC BLOOMINGTON, IL61701 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS OFF ROAD NORMAL, IL61761 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
VCNA PRAIRIE LLC - YARD 1026 BLOOMINGTON, IL61701 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
McLean County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Downs's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Downs compares by contaminant
Explore where Downs ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Downs's water comes from
Downs'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 1,251 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Downs
Downs is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Downs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOWNS | IL1130500 | 1,201 | GW |
| COUNTRY LANE MHP | IL1135385 | 50 | GW |
How Downs compares
Full Illinois rankings →Downs's score of 75.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Downs, IL
Wikipedia →Downs is a village in McLean County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,201 at the 2020 census, up from 1,005 in 2010. It is part of the Bloomington–Normal Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Downs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Downs, IL tap water safe to drink?
Downs's water quality earned a grade of B (75.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #671 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Downs's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 77 violations are on record.
How is Downs'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 Downs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Downs's water come from?
Downs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,251 residents.
What health violations has Downs's water system had?
Downs has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Downs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Downs 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 77 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 Downs's water compare to other cities?
Downs ranks #671 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 25% of state cities) and #9660 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.