Is Little York, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.8/100
waterverge.com Little York, IL — Water Quality Report
Little York's drinking water received a grade of C (63.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 742 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 55.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 59 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Little York's water
Little York ranks #787 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Little York 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Little York may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Little York, IL water safe to drink?
Little York's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 742 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Little York
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Little York's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). 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 Little York's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Little York's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Warren County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Little York's water come from?
Little York's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 742 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Little York residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Little York'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Little York'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 Little York
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Little York, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SMITHFIELD-MONMOUTH MONMOUTH, IL61462 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Warren County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Little York'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. | 55.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Little York compares by contaminant
Explore where Little York ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Little York's water comes from
Little York'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 742 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Little York
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LITTLE SWAN LAKE SD | IL1875050 | 438 | GW |
| LITTLE YORK | IL1870100 | 304 | GWP |
How Little York compares
Full Illinois rankings →Little York's score of 63.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Little York, IL
Wikipedia →Monmouth is a city in and the county seat of Warren County, Illinois, United States. The population was 8,902 at the 2020 census, down from 9,444 in 2010. It is the home of Monmouth College.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Little York's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Warren
Frequently asked questions
Is Little York, IL tap water safe to drink?
Little York's water quality earned a grade of C (63.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #787 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Little York's water?
Lead was measured at 55.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Little York'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 Little York?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Little York's water come from?
Little York's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 742 residents.
What health violations has Little York's water system had?
Little York has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Little York's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Little York 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 59 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 Little York's water compare to other cities?
Little York ranks #787 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 12% of state cities) and #11721 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.