Is Keithsburg, 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 ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Keithsburg, IL — Water Quality Report
Keithsburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 747 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Keithsburg's water
Keithsburg ranks #274 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Keithsburg 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, Keithsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keithsburg, IL water safe to drink?
Keithsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 747 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Keithsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keithsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keithsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Keithsburg's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mercer County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Iowa River At Oakville, Edwards River, Pope Creek, Henderson Creek.
Where does Keithsburg's water come from?
Keithsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 747 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River At Oakville (river), Edwards River (river), Pope Creek (river), Henderson Creek (river).
What Keithsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keithsburg'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.
Keithsburg'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 Keithsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Keithsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRIOAK FOODS LLC - FEED MILL OAKVILLE, IA52646 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Mercer County has experienced 8 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 Keithsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Keithsburg ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keithsburg's water comes from
Keithsburg'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 747 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Keithsburg
Keithsburg is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Keithsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEITHSBURG | IL1310150 | 747 | GW |
How Keithsburg compares
Full Illinois rankings →Keithsburg's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Keithsburg, IL
Wikipedia →Keithsburg is a city in Mercer County, Illinois, United States, on the Mississippi River. The population was 550 at the 2020 census, down from 609 in 2010. It was named for Robert Keith, a pioneer settler. Due to a flood in 1993, there isn't much to do in Keithsburg. Some of the things that are still in use today include, a bar/restaurant named “The Eagles Nest”, and one or two playgrounds.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keithsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mercer
Frequently asked questions
Is Keithsburg, IL tap water safe to drink?
Keithsburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #274 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Keithsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Keithsburg'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 Keithsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keithsburg's water come from?
Keithsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 747 residents.
Is Keithsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Keithsburg 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 7 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 Keithsburg's water compare to other cities?
Keithsburg ranks #274 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 69% of state cities) and #4098 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Keithsburg's small water system affect quality?
Keithsburg's system serves approximately 747 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 7 violations on record.