Is Ladd, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.8/100
waterverge.com Ladd, IL — Water Quality Report
Ladd's drinking water received a grade of A (93.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,263 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 21 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ladd's water
Ladd ranks #37 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ladd 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, Ladd may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ladd, IL water safe to drink?
Ladd's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,263 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ladd
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ladd's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ladd's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ladd's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Bureau County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Ladd's water come from?
Ladd's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,263 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ladd 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.
Ladd'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 Ladd
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ladd, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,020 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARUS LLC LASALLE SITE LA SALLE, IL61301 | Barium | 997 | 7.3 mi |
ILLINOIS CEMENT CO LA SALLE, IL61301 | Manganese | 16 | 7.9 mi |
AMERICAN NICKELOID CO PERU, IL61354 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 6 | 5.4 mi |
W. H. MAZE CO -NAIL DIV PERU, IL61354 | Zinc compounds | 0 | 5.7 mi |
EPSILYTE LLC PERU, IL61354 | Styrene | 0 | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Ladd
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.
- DEPUE NEW JERSEY ZINC MOBIL CHEMICAL CORP5.9 mi
- LASALLE ELECTRIC UTILITIES6.4 mi
- MATTHIESSEN AND HEGELER ZINC COMPANY7.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Bureau County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Ladd compares by contaminant
Explore where Ladd ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ladd's water comes from
Ladd'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 1,263 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ladd
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LADD | IL0110450 | 1,263 | GW |
How Ladd compares
Full Illinois rankings →Ladd's score of 93.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Ladd, IL
Wikipedia →Ladd is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,236 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. Ladd is perhaps most known for a Vietnam War tank located in the center of its park.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ladd's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bureau
Frequently asked questions
Is Ladd, IL tap water safe to drink?
Ladd's water quality earned a grade of A (93.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Ladd's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Ladd'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 Ladd?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ladd's water come from?
Ladd's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,263 residents.
What health violations has Ladd's water system had?
Ladd has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Ladd's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ladd 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 21 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 Ladd's water compare to other cities?
Ladd ranks #37 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 96% of state cities) and #726 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ladd's small water system affect quality?
Ladd's system serves approximately 1,263 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 21 violations on record.