Is Jonesboro, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Jonesboro, IL — Water Quality Report
Jonesboro's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,825 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jonesboro's water
Jonesboro ranks #133 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Jonesboro 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, Jonesboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jonesboro, IL water safe to drink?
Jonesboro's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,825 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jonesboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jonesboro's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Jonesboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jonesboro's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union 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 Jonesboro's water come from?
Jonesboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,825 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Jonesboro 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.
Jonesboro'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 droughtUnion 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
Union 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.
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 Jonesboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Jonesboro ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jonesboro's water comes from
Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro'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 1,825 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Jonesboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JONESBORO | IL1810250 | 1,799 | GWP |
| ANNA-JONESBORO WATER COMMISSION | IL1815050 | 26 | GW |
How Jonesboro compares
Full Illinois rankings →Jonesboro's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Jonesboro, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jonesboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Jonesboro, IL tap water safe to drink?
Jonesboro's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #133 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Jonesboro's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Jonesboro'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 Jonesboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jonesboro's water come from?
Jonesboro's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,825 residents.
What health violations has Jonesboro's water system had?
Jonesboro has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jonesboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jonesboro 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 10 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 Jonesboro's water compare to other cities?
Jonesboro ranks #133 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 85% of state cities) and #2194 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.