Is Menard, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
37/100
waterverge.com Menard, IL — Water Quality Report
Menard's drinking water received a grade of F (37 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,950 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 79 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Menard's water
Menard ranks #883 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Menard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 56 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Menard, IL water safe to drink?
Menard's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (37/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,950 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Menard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Menard's water quality assessment. Grade: F (37/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Menard's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Menard's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved. 56 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 7 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 At Chester.
Where does Menard's water come from?
Menard's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,950 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 At Chester (river).
What Menard residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Menard'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.
Menard'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
Flood & disaster history
Randolph County has experienced 7 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 Menard'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. | 10.0 | 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. | 1.39 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.390 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Menard compares by contaminant
Explore where Menard ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Menard's water comes from
Menard'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 state ownership and serves approximately 2,950 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Menard
Menard 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 Menard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MENARD CORRECTIONAL CENTER | IL1575550 | 2,950 | SWP |
How Menard compares
Full Illinois rankings →Menard's score of 37/100 is below the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Menard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Menard, IL tap water safe to drink?
Menard's water quality earned a grade of F (37/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #883 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Menard's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Menard'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 Menard?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Menard's water come from?
Menard's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,950 residents.
What health violations has Menard's water system had?
Menard has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Menard's water compare to other cities?
Menard ranks #883 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 1% of state cities) and #15433 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Menard's small water system affect quality?
Menard's system serves approximately 2,950 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 79 violations on record.