Is Grand Tower, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Grand Tower, IL — Water Quality Report
Grand Tower's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 559 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 22 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Tower's water
Grand Tower ranks #199 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Grand Tower 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, Grand Tower may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Tower, IL water safe to drink?
Grand Tower's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 559 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Tower
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Tower's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Grand Tower'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
Grand Tower's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Grand Tower's water come from?
Grand Tower's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 559 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Grand Tower residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Tower'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.
Grand Tower'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
D1 — moderate droughtJackson County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Jackson County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Grand Tower'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. | 1.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grand Tower compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Tower ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Tower's water comes from
Grand Tower'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 559 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Grand Tower
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND TOWER | IL0770400 | 559 | GW |
How Grand Tower compares
Full Illinois rankings →Grand Tower's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Grand Tower, IL
Wikipedia →Grand Tower is a city in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 479 at the 2020 census. The town gets its name from Tower Rock, a landmark island in the Mississippi River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Tower's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Tower, IL tap water safe to drink?
Grand Tower's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #199 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Grand Tower's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Grand Tower'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 Grand Tower?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Tower's water come from?
Grand Tower's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 559 residents.
What health violations has Grand Tower's water system had?
Grand Tower has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grand Tower's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grand Tower 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 22 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 Grand Tower's water compare to other cities?
Grand Tower ranks #199 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 78% of state cities) and #3200 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grand Tower's small water system affect quality?
Grand Tower's system serves approximately 559 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 22 violations on record.