Is Lancaster, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Lancaster, IL — Water Quality Report
Lancaster's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,877 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lancaster's water
Lancaster ranks #472 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lancaster 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, Lancaster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lancaster, IL water safe to drink?
Lancaster's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,877 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lancaster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lancaster's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lancaster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lancaster's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Wabash County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Wabash River.
Where does Lancaster's water come from?
Lancaster's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,877 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wabash River (river).
What Lancaster 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Wabash County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lancaster's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.77 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.770 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lancaster compares by contaminant
Explore where Lancaster ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lancaster's water comes from
Lancaster 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 Lancaster'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 1,877 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lancaster
Lancaster is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lancaster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RURAL WABASH COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | IL1850010 | 1,877 | GWP |
How Lancaster compares
Full Illinois rankings →Lancaster's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lancaster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wabash
Frequently asked questions
Is Lancaster, IL tap water safe to drink?
Lancaster's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #472 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Lancaster's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Lancaster'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 Lancaster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lancaster's water come from?
Lancaster's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,877 residents.
Is Lancaster's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lancaster 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 3 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 Lancaster's water compare to other cities?
Lancaster ranks #472 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 47% of state cities) and #6766 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lancaster's small water system affect quality?
Lancaster's system serves approximately 1,877 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 3 violations on record.