Is East Galesburg, 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 ↓
79.5/100
waterverge.com East Galesburg, IL — Water Quality Report
East Galesburg's drinking water received a grade of B (79.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 860 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Galesburg's water
East Galesburg ranks #583 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
East Galesburg purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, East Galesburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Galesburg, IL water safe to drink?
East Galesburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 860 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Galesburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Galesburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 East Galesburg'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
East Galesburg's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Galesburg's water come from?
East Galesburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 860 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What East Galesburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Galesburg'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
East Galesburg'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 Galesburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Galesburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GATES CORP GALESBURG, IL61401 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 1.4 mi |
HEAT & CONTROL INC GALESBURG, IL61401 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
KOPPERS INC. (GALESBURG IL) GALESBURG, IL61401 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
NATIONAL COATINGS INC GALESBURG, IL61401 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of East Galesburg
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.
- GALESBURG KOPPERS CO5.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Knox County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in East Galesburg'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. | 3.4 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Galesburg compares by contaminant
Explore where East Galesburg ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Galesburg's water comes from
East Galesburg purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of East Galesburg's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 860 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving East Galesburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST GALESBURG | IL0950150 | 860 | GWP |
How East Galesburg compares
Full Illinois rankings →East Galesburg's score of 79.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About East Galesburg, IL
Wikipedia →East Galesburg is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 763 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Galesburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is East Galesburg, IL tap water safe to drink?
East Galesburg's water quality earned a grade of B (79.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #583 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in East Galesburg's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is East Galesburg'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 Galesburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Galesburg's water come from?
East Galesburg's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 860 residents.
Is East Galesburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Galesburg 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 12 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 Galesburg's water compare to other cities?
East Galesburg ranks #583 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 35% of state cities) and #8251 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Galesburg's small water system affect quality?
East Galesburg's system serves approximately 860 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 12 violations on record.