Is Marissa, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.9/100
waterverge.com Marissa, IL — Water Quality Report
Marissa's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,921 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marissa's water
Marissa ranks #511 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, Marissa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marissa, IL water safe to drink?
Marissa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,921 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Marissa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marissa's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Marissa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marissa's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Marissa's water come from?
Marissa's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,921 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), Kaskaskia River (river), Richland Creek (river).
What Marissa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marissa'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.
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 Marissa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Marissa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,700 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRAIRIE STATE GENERATING CO MARISSA, IL62257 | Ammonia | 1,307 | 5.7 mi |
BALDWIN ENERGY COMPLEX BALDWIN, IL62217 | Ammonia | 393 | 4.9 mi |
SPARTAN LIGHT METAL PRODUCTS INC SPARTA, IL62286 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marissa compares by contaminant
Explore where Marissa ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marissa's water comes from
Marissa'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 1,921 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Marissa
Marissa 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 Marissa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARISSA | IL1630750 | 1,921 | SWP |
How Marissa compares
Full Illinois rankings →Marissa's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Marissa, IL
Wikipedia →Freeburg is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. Located within Greater St. Louis, it is a southeastern exurb with many residents commuting to Downtown St. Louis or the Belleville area for employment. As of the 2020 census, Freeburg had a population of 4,582.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marissa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is Marissa, IL tap water safe to drink?
Marissa's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #511 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Marissa's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Marissa'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 Marissa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marissa's water come from?
Marissa's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,921 residents.
What health violations has Marissa's water system had?
Marissa has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Marissa's water compare to other cities?
Marissa ranks #511 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 43% of state cities) and #7257 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Marissa's small water system affect quality?
Marissa's system serves approximately 1,921 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 13 violations on record.