Is Jerome, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.1/100
waterverge.com Jerome, IL — Water Quality Report
Jerome's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 residents using purchased surface 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 17 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jerome's water
Jerome ranks #459 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below 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, Jerome may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jerome, IL water safe to drink?
Jerome's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jerome
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jerome's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.1/100).
Contaminants: Chloramine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-438). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jerome's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jerome's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sangamon County has experienced 2 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 South Fork Sangamon River, South Fork Sangamon River Below Rochester, Lick Creek, Sugar Creek, Sangamon River.
Where does Jerome's water come from?
Jerome's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Sangamon River (river), South Fork Sangamon River Below Rochester (river), Lick Creek (river), Sugar Creek (river), Sangamon River (river).
What Jerome residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jerome'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 Jerome
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jerome, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 181 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CITY WATER LIGHT & POWER CITY OF SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD, IL62703 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 181 | 4.0 mi |
US DOD USAF CAPITAL MAP ANG SPRINGFIELD, IL62707 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
SOLOMON COLORS INC. SPRINGFIELD, IL62702 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sangamon County has experienced 2 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 Jerome compares by contaminant
Explore where Jerome ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jerome's water comes from
Jerome'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 1,600 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jerome
Jerome is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jerome
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEROME | IL1670600 | 1,600 | SWP |
How Jerome compares
Full Illinois rankings →Jerome's score of 83.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Jerome, IL
Wikipedia →Springfield is the capital city of the U.S. state of Illinois. Its population was 114,394 at the 2020 United States census, which makes it the state's seventh-most populous city, the second-most populous outside of the Chicago metropolitan area, and the most populous in Central Illinois. Approximately 208,000 residents live in the Springfield metropolitan area, which consists of all of Sangamon and Menard counties. The city lies in a plain near the Sangamon River north of Lake Springfield. Springfield is the county seat of Sangamon County and is located along historic Route 66.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jerome's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sangamon
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerome, IL tap water safe to drink?
Jerome's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #459 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Jerome's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Jerome'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 Jerome?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jerome's water come from?
Jerome's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 residents.
What health violations has Jerome's water system had?
Jerome has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jerome's water compare to other cities?
Jerome ranks #459 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 48% of state cities) and #6600 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jerome's small water system affect quality?
Jerome's system serves approximately 1,600 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 17 violations on record.