Is East Dubuque, 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 ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com East Dubuque, IL — Water Quality Report
East Dubuque's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,236 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 49 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Dubuque's water
East Dubuque ranks #250 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
East Dubuque 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, East Dubuque may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Dubuque, IL water safe to drink?
East Dubuque's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,236 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Dubuque
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Dubuque's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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-1368). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Dubuque's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Dubuque's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jo Daviess County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does East Dubuque's water come from?
East Dubuque's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,236 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What East Dubuque residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Dubuque'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.
East Dubuque'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 East Dubuque
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Dubuque, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 278,229 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EAST DUBUQUE NITROGEN FERTILIZERS LLC EAST DUBUQUE, IL61025 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 278,169 | 3.7 mi |
JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS DUBUQUE, IA52001 | Zinc compounds | 41 | 6.3 mi |
MORRISON BROTHERS CO DUBUQUE, IA52001 | Copper | 10 | 2.0 mi |
AY MCDONALD MANUFACTURING CO DUBUQUE, IA52002 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 6 | 6.3 mi |
GIESE MANUFACTURING DUBUQUE, IA52002 | Manganese | 3 | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of East Dubuque
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.
- PEOPLES NATURAL GAS CO2.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Jo Daviess County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 East Dubuque compares by contaminant
Explore where East Dubuque ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Dubuque's water comes from
East Dubuque'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 2,236 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving East Dubuque
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST DUBUQUE | IL0850100 | 1,565 | GW |
| MOUNT VERNON ASSOCIATION INC | IL0855100 | 438 | GW |
| FRENTRESS LAKE | IL0850010 | 233 | GW |
How East Dubuque compares
Full Illinois rankings →East Dubuque's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About East Dubuque, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Dubuque's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jo Daviess
Frequently asked questions
Is East Dubuque, IL tap water safe to drink?
East Dubuque's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #250 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in East Dubuque's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is East Dubuque'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 East Dubuque?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Dubuque's water come from?
East Dubuque's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,236 residents.
What health violations has East Dubuque's water system had?
East Dubuque has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Dubuque's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Dubuque 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 49 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 East Dubuque's water compare to other cities?
East Dubuque ranks #250 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 72% of state cities) and #3820 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.