Is Marine, 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 ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Marine, IL — Water Quality Report
Marine's drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,037 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marine's water
Marine ranks #593 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average 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, Marine may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marine, IL water safe to drink?
Marine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,037 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Marine
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marine's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Marine'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
Marine's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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 Silver Creek.
Where does Marine's water come from?
Marine's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,037 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Silver Creek (river).
What Marine residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marine'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.
Marine'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 Marine
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Marine, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EATON HIGHLAND HIGHLAND, IL62249 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
TROUW NUTRITION USA LLC HIGHLAND, IL62249 | — | — | 5.7 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 Marine'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. | 1.2 | 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. | 2.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marine compares by contaminant
Explore where Marine ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marine's water comes from
Marine'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 1,037 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Marine
Marine is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Marine
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARINE | IL1190700 | 1,037 | SWP |
How Marine compares
Full Illinois rankings →Marine's score of 79/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Marine, IL
Wikipedia →Marine is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 912 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marine's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Marine, IL tap water safe to drink?
Marine's water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #593 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Marine's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Marine'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 Marine?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marine's water come from?
Marine's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,037 residents.
How does Marine's water compare to other cities?
Marine ranks #593 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 33% of state cities) and #8443 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Marine's small water system affect quality?
Marine's system serves approximately 1,037 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 6 violations on record.