Is Fairmount, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Fairmount, IL — Water Quality Report
Fairmount's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 690 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairmount's water
Fairmount ranks #163 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Fairmount 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, Fairmount may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairmount, IL water safe to drink?
Fairmount's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 690 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairmount
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairmount's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Fairmount's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fairmount's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Vermilion County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Middle Fork Vermilion River Above Oakwood.
Where does Fairmount's water come from?
Fairmount's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 690 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Fork Vermilion River Above Oakwood (river).
What Fairmount residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fairmount'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fairmount
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.
- HEGELER ZINC9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Vermilion County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Fairmount compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairmount ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairmount's water comes from
Fairmount'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 690 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairmount
Fairmount is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fairmount
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRMOUNT | IL1830250 | 690 | GW |
How Fairmount compares
Full Illinois rankings →Fairmount's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Fairmount, IL
Wikipedia →Fairmount is a village in Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Danville, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Fairmount had a population of 612.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairmount's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vermilion
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairmount, IL tap water safe to drink?
Fairmount's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #163 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Fairmount's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Fairmount'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 Fairmount?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairmount's water come from?
Fairmount's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 690 residents.
Is Fairmount's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairmount 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 Fairmount's water compare to other cities?
Fairmount ranks #163 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 82% of state cities) and #2611 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fairmount's small water system affect quality?
Fairmount's system serves approximately 690 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.