Is Lovington, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.9/100
waterverge.com Lovington, IL — Water Quality Report
Lovington's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,024 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 20.0 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lovington's water
Lovington ranks #701 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lovington 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, Lovington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lovington, IL water safe to drink?
Lovington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,024 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lovington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lovington's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lovington's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lovington's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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 Kaskaskia River Below Ficklin, Lake Fork, Kaskaskia River, Kaskaskia River Inflow.
Where does Lovington's water come from?
Lovington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,024 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kaskaskia River Below Ficklin (river), Lake Fork (river), Kaskaskia River (river), Kaskaskia River Inflow (river).
What Lovington residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lovington'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.
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 Lovington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lovington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
C.H.I. OVERHEAD DOORS ARTHUR, IL61911 | Chromium | 15 | 8.6 mi |
CARSTIN BRANDS LLC ARTHUR, IL61911 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
MASTERBRAND LLC ARTHUR, IL61911 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
HYDRO-GEAR SULLIVAN, IL61951 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
BRUDER TANK SULLIVAN, IL61951 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Douglas County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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 Lovington'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. | 20.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lovington compares by contaminant
Explore where Lovington ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lovington's water comes from
Lovington'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 1,024 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lovington
Lovington is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lovington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOVINGTON | IL1390250 | 1,024 | GW |
How Lovington compares
Full Illinois rankings →Lovington's score of 72.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Lovington, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lovington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Moultrie
Frequently asked questions
Is Lovington, IL tap water safe to drink?
Lovington's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #701 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Lovington's water?
Lead was measured at 20.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Lovington'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 Lovington?
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 Lovington's water come from?
Lovington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,024 residents.
What health violations has Lovington's water system had?
Lovington has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2006. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lovington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lovington 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 10 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 Lovington's water compare to other cities?
Lovington ranks #701 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 21% of state cities) and #10208 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lovington's small water system affect quality?
Lovington's system serves approximately 1,024 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 10 violations on record.