Is Good Hope, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Good Hope, IL — Water Quality Report
Good Hope's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 536 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 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Good Hope's water
Good Hope ranks #294 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Good Hope 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, Good Hope may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Good Hope, IL water safe to drink?
Good Hope's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 536 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Good Hope
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Good Hope's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Good Hope's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Good Hope's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McDonough County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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.
Where does Good Hope's water come from?
Good Hope's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 536 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Good Hope residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Good Hope'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Good Hope
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Good Hope, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRIOAK FOODS LLC BUSHNELL, IL61422 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
NTN-BOWER CORP MACOMB, IL61455 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
McDonough County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Good Hope'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (2006)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Good Hope compares by contaminant
Explore where Good Hope ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Good Hope's water comes from
Good Hope'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 536 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Good Hope
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOOD HOPE | IL1090250 | 536 | GW |
How Good Hope compares
Full Illinois rankings →Good Hope's score of 87/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Good Hope, IL
Wikipedia →Good Hope is a village in McDonough County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 363 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Good Hope's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcdonough
Frequently asked questions
Is Good Hope, IL tap water safe to drink?
Good Hope's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #294 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Good Hope's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Good Hope'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 Good Hope?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Good Hope's water come from?
Good Hope's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 536 residents.
What health violations has Good Hope's water system had?
Good Hope has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Good Hope's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Good Hope 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 Good Hope's water compare to other cities?
Good Hope ranks #294 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 67% of state cities) and #4361 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Good Hope's small water system affect quality?
Good Hope's system serves approximately 536 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.