Is Galva, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.4/100
waterverge.com Galva, IL — Water Quality Report
Galva's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,529 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 19.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 30 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Galva's water
Galva ranks #761 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Galva 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Galva may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Galva, IL water safe to drink?
Galva's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,529 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Galva
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Galva's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: 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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Galva's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Galva's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Henry County has experienced 10 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 Galva's water come from?
Galva's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,529 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Galva residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Galva'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.
Galva'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 Galva
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Galva, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DIXLINE CORP GALVA, IL61434 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
BIG RIVER RESOURCES GALVA LLC GALVA, IL61434 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
MTM TRAILERS KEWANEE, IL61443 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
GREAT DANE TRAILERS KEWANEE, IL61443 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Henry County has experienced 10 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 Galva'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. | 19.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Galva compares by contaminant
Explore where Galva ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Galva's water comes from
Galva'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 2,529 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Galva
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALVA | IL0730450 | 2,449 | GW |
| BLACKHAWK COLLEGE EAST CAMPUS | IL0730130 | 80 | GW |
How Galva compares
Full Illinois rankings →Galva's score of 67.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Galva, IL
Wikipedia →Galva is a city in southern Henry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,470 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Galva's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henry
Frequently asked questions
Is Galva, IL tap water safe to drink?
Galva's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #761 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Galva's water?
Lead was measured at 19.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Galva'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 Galva?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Galva's water come from?
Galva's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,529 residents.
What health violations has Galva's water system had?
Galva has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Galva's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Galva 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 30 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 Galva's water compare to other cities?
Galva ranks #761 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 15% of state cities) and #11240 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.