Is Farmer City, 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 ↓
74.5/100
waterverge.com Farmer City, IL — Water Quality Report
Farmer City's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,055 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Farmer City's water
Farmer City ranks #682 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Farmer City 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Farmer City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Farmer City, IL water safe to drink?
Farmer City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,055 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Farmer City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Farmer City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Farmer City's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Farmer City's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Farmer City's water come from?
Farmer City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,055 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salt Creek (river).
What Farmer City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Farmer City'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Farmer City'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. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| 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. | 1.46 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.460 mg/L (2022)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Farmer City compares by contaminant
Explore where Farmer City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Farmer City's water comes from
Farmer City'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 2,055 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Farmer City
Farmer City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Farmer City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FARMER CITY | IL0390150 | 2,055 | GW |
How Farmer City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Farmer City's score of 74.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Farmer City, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Farmer City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across De Witt
Frequently asked questions
Is Farmer City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Farmer City's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #682 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Farmer City's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Farmer City'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 Farmer City?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Farmer City's water come from?
Farmer City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,055 residents.
What health violations has Farmer City's water system had?
Farmer City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Farmer City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Farmer City 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 9 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 Farmer City's water compare to other cities?
Farmer City ranks #682 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 23% of state cities) and #9836 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Farmer City's small water system affect quality?
Farmer City's system serves approximately 2,055 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 9 violations on record.