Is Fairview, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
Fairview, IL — Water Quality Report
Fairview's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 588 residents using purchased surface water.
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 36 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairview's water
Fairview ranks #315 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Fairview may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairview, IL water safe to drink?
Fairview's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 588 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fairview
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairview's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fairview's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fairview's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fulton County has experienced 9 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 Spoon River.
Where does Fairview's water come from?
Fairview's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 588 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Spoon River (river).
What Fairview residents can do
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.
Fairview'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
Flood & disaster history
Fulton County has experienced 9 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fairview compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairview ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairview's water comes from
Fairview's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 588 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairview
Fairview is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fairview
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRVIEW | IL0570450 | 588 | SWP |
How Fairview compares
Full Illinois rankings →Fairview's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Fairview, IL
Wikipedia →Cuba is a city in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,184 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairview's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fulton
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairview, IL tap water safe to drink?
Fairview's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #315 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Fairview's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Fairview'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 Fairview?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairview's water come from?
Fairview's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 588 residents.
What health violations has Fairview's water system had?
Fairview has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fairview's water compare to other cities?
Fairview ranks #315 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 65% of state cities) and #4624 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fairview's small water system affect quality?
Fairview's system serves approximately 588 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 36 violations on record.