Is Livingston, 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 ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Livingston, IL — Water Quality Report
Livingston's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 825 residents using purchased surface 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Livingston's water
Livingston ranks #414 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Livingston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Livingston, IL water safe to drink?
Livingston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 825 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Livingston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Livingston's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Livingston'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
Livingston's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 6 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 Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il, Mill Creek Near Florissant, Coldwater Creek Near Black Jack.
Where does Livingston's water come from?
Livingston's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 825 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il (river), Mill Creek Near Florissant (river), Coldwater Creek Near Black Jack (river).
What Livingston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Livingston'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.
Livingston'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 Livingston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Livingston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MENNEL MILLING CO OF ILLINOIS MOUNT OLIVE, IL62069 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Madison County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Livingston'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Livingston compares by contaminant
Explore where Livingston ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Livingston's water comes from
Livingston's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 825 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Livingston
Livingston is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Livingston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL AMERICAN-LIVINGSTON | IL1190600 | 825 | SWP |
How Livingston compares
Full Illinois rankings →Livingston's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Livingston, IL
Wikipedia →Godfrey is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,825 at the 2020 census. Godfrey is located within the River Bend portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Livingston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Livingston, IL tap water safe to drink?
Livingston's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #414 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Livingston's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Livingston'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 Livingston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Livingston's water come from?
Livingston's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 825 residents.
How does Livingston's water compare to other cities?
Livingston ranks #414 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 54% of state cities) and #5996 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Livingston's small water system affect quality?
Livingston's system serves approximately 825 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.