Is Hamilton, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Hamilton, IL — Water Quality Report
Hamilton's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,753 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 18 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Hamilton's water
Hamilton ranks #100 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Hamilton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hamilton, IL water safe to drink?
Hamilton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,753 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hamilton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hamilton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
Contaminants: Toxaphene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hamilton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hamilton's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 9 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 Mississippi River At Keokuk.
Where does Hamilton's water come from?
Hamilton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,753 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At Keokuk (river).
What Hamilton residents can do
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.
Hamilton'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 Hamilton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hamilton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 137,804 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROQUETTE AMERICA INC KEOKUK, IA52632 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 137,800 | 1.8 mi |
KEOKUK STEEL CASTINGS KEOKUK, IA52632 | Manganese | 4 | 4.2 mi |
AMSTED RAIL CO INC KEOKUK, IA52632 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
HENNIGES AUTOMOTIVE IOWA INC KEOKUK, IA52632 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Hancock County has experienced 9 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hamilton compares by contaminant
Explore where Hamilton ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hamilton's water comes from
Hamilton's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,753 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hamilton
Hamilton is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hamilton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAMILTON | IL0670400 | 2,753 | SW |
How Hamilton compares
Full Illinois rankings →Hamilton's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Hamilton, IL
Wikipedia →Hamilton is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,753 at the 2020 census, a decline from 2,951 in 2010. The city is located directly across the Mississippi River from Keokuk, Iowa. Hamilton is the largest city in Hancock County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hamilton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Hamilton, IL tap water safe to drink?
Hamilton's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #100 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Hamilton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Hamilton'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 Hamilton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hamilton's water come from?
Hamilton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,753 residents.
What health violations has Hamilton's water system had?
Hamilton has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Hamilton's water compare to other cities?
Hamilton ranks #100 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 89% of state cities) and #1650 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hamilton's small water system affect quality?
Hamilton's system serves approximately 2,753 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 18 violations on record.