Is Harristown, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Harristown, IL — Water Quality Report
Harristown's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,320 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harristown's water
Harristown ranks #240 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Harristown 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, Harristown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harristown, IL water safe to drink?
Harristown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,320 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harristown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harristown's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-583). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harristown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harristown's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Macon County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Sangamon River.
Where does Harristown's water come from?
Harristown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,320 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sangamon River (river).
What Harristown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harristown'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.
Harristown'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 Harristown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harristown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 14,935 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRIMARY PRODUCTS INGREDIENTS AMERICAS LLC - DECATUR DECATUR, IL62521 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 14,935 | 7.0 mi |
INTERNATIONAL CONTROL SERVICES INC. DECATUR, IL62521 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
CATERPILLAR INC. DECATUR FAC. DECATUR, IL62526 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
DECATUR FOUNDRY INC DECATUR, IL62526 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
MUELLER CO-PLANT #1 DECATUR, IL62522 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Macon County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Harristown compares by contaminant
Explore where Harristown ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harristown's water comes from
Harristown 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 Harristown'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 1,320 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Harristown
Harristown is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harristown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARRISTOWN | IL1150210 | 1,320 | GWP |
How Harristown compares
Full Illinois rankings →Harristown's score of 88/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Harristown, IL
Wikipedia →Decatur is the largest city in Macon County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The city was founded in 1829 and is situated along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 70,522. It is the 17th-most populous city in Illinois and the "fastest shrinking city" in Illinois. Decatur has an economy based on industrial and agricultural commodity processing and production. The city is home to Millikin University and Richland Community College.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harristown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Macon
Frequently asked questions
Is Harristown, IL tap water safe to drink?
Harristown's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #240 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Harristown's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Harristown'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 Harristown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harristown's water come from?
Harristown's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,320 residents.
Is Harristown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harristown 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 11 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 Harristown's water compare to other cities?
Harristown ranks #240 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 73% of state cities) and #3721 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Harristown's small water system affect quality?
Harristown's system serves approximately 1,320 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 11 violations on record.