Is Mark, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Mark, IL — Water Quality Report
Mark's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 555 residents using groundwater.
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 34 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mark's water
Mark ranks #377 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mark 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.
As a small community water system, Mark may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mark, IL water safe to drink?
Mark's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 555 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mark
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mark's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Mark's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mark's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Putnam County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 East Bureau Creek.
Where does Mark's water come from?
Mark's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 555 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Bureau Creek (river).
What Mark residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mark'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.
Mark'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 Mark
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mark, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN NICKELOID CO PERU, IL61354 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 6 | 7.2 mi |
W. H. MAZE CO -NAIL DIV PERU, IL61354 | Zinc compounds | 0 | 7.3 mi |
EPSILYTE LLC PERU, IL61354 | Styrene | 0 | 8.7 mi |
WASHINGTON MILLS HENNEPIN INC HENNEPIN, IL61327 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
MARQUIS ENERGY LLC HENNEPIN, IL61327 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Mark
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- DEPUE NEW JERSEY ZINC MOBIL CHEMICAL CORP5.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Putnam County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mark compares by contaminant
Explore where Mark ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mark's water comes from
Mark'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 555 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mark
Mark is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mark
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARK | IL1550250 | 555 | GW |
How Mark compares
Full Illinois rankings →Mark's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Mark, IL
Wikipedia →Mark is a village in Putnam County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, Mark had a population of 519. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. It maintains close ties to neighboring Granville, Illinois.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mark's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Mark, IL tap water safe to drink?
Mark's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #377 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Mark's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Mark'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 Mark?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mark's water come from?
Mark's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 555 residents.
What health violations has Mark's water system had?
Mark has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mark's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mark 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 34 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 Mark's water compare to other cities?
Mark ranks #377 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 58% of state cities) and #5416 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mark's small water system affect quality?
Mark's system serves approximately 555 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 34 violations on record.