Is Golconda, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.2/100
waterverge.com Golconda, IL — Water Quality Report
Golconda's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 630 residents using purchased ground 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 61 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Golconda's water
Golconda ranks #563 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Golconda 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, Golconda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Golconda, IL water safe to drink?
Golconda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 630 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Golconda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Golconda's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-997). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Golconda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Golconda's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pope County has experienced 3 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 Lusk Creek, Ohio River.
Where does Golconda's water come from?
Golconda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 630 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lusk Creek (river), Ohio River (river).
What Golconda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Golconda'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.
Golconda'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPope County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Pope County has experienced 3 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 Golconda compares by contaminant
Explore where Golconda ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Golconda's water comes from
Golconda 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 Golconda'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 630 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Golconda
Golconda is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Golconda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOLCONDA | IL1510100 | 630 | GWP |
How Golconda compares
Full Illinois rankings →Golconda's score of 80.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Golconda, IL
Wikipedia →Golconda is a city in and the county seat of Pope County, Illinois, United States, located along the Ohio River. The population was 630 at the 2020 census. Most of the city is part of the Golconda Historic District.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Golconda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pope
Frequently asked questions
Is Golconda, IL tap water safe to drink?
Golconda's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #563 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Golconda's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Golconda'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 Golconda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Golconda's water come from?
Golconda's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 630 residents.
What health violations has Golconda's water system had?
Golconda has 6 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Golconda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Golconda 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 61 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 Golconda's water compare to other cities?
Golconda ranks #563 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 37% of state cities) and #7987 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Golconda's small water system affect quality?
Golconda's system serves approximately 630 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 61 violations on record.