Is Knoxville, 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 ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Knoxville, IL — Water Quality Report
Knoxville's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,120 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 26 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Knoxville's water
Knoxville ranks #155 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Knoxville 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, Knoxville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Knoxville, IL water safe to drink?
Knoxville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,120 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Knoxville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Knoxville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Knoxville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Knoxville's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Knoxville's water come from?
Knoxville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,120 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Knoxville 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.
Knoxville'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 Knoxville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Knoxville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GATES CORP GALESBURG, IL61401 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 2.0 mi |
HEAT & CONTROL INC GALESBURG, IL61401 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
KOPPERS INC. (GALESBURG IL) GALESBURG, IL61401 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
NATIONAL COATINGS INC GALESBURG, IL61401 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Knoxville
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GALESBURG KOPPERS CO5.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Knox County has experienced 5 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 Knoxville compares by contaminant
Explore where Knoxville ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Knoxville's water comes from
Knoxville 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 Knoxville'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 3,120 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Knoxville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNOXVILLE | IL0950300 | 3,120 | GWP |
How Knoxville compares
Full Illinois rankings →Knoxville's score of 90/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Knoxville, IL
Wikipedia →Knoxville is a city in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,901 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Knoxville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is Knoxville, IL tap water safe to drink?
Knoxville's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #155 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Knoxville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Knoxville'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 Knoxville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Knoxville's water come from?
Knoxville's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,120 residents.
What health violations has Knoxville's water system had?
Knoxville has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Knoxville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Knoxville 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 26 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 Knoxville's water compare to other cities?
Knoxville ranks #155 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 83% of state cities) and #2465 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Knoxville's small water system affect quality?
Knoxville's system serves approximately 3,120 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 26 violations on record.