Is Mound City, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Mound City, IL — Water Quality Report
Mound City's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 526 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 29 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mound City's water
Mound City ranks #191 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Mound City 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, Mound City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mound City, IL water safe to drink?
Mound City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 526 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mound City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mound City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-997). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mound City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mound City's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pulaski County has experienced 5 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 Ohio River.
Where does Mound City's water come from?
Mound City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 526 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Mound City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mound City'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.
Mound City'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 Mound City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mound City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BUNGE CHEVRON AG RENEWABLES LLC CAIRO, IL62914 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPulaski County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Pulaski County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Mound City compares by contaminant
Explore where Mound City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mound City's water comes from
Mound City'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 526 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mound City
Mound City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mound City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUND CITY | IL1530100 | 526 | GW |
How Mound City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Mound City's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Mound City, IL
Wikipedia →Mound City is a city in and the county seat of Pulaski County, Illinois, United States. It is located along the Ohio River just north of its confluence with the Mississippi River. As of the 2020 census, Mound City had a population of 526. It has a majority African American population and was home to Lovejoy High School, named for abolitionist Elijah P. Lovejoy, that served African American students. Students were integrated into Mound City Community High School in 1962 and after 1968 at Meridian High School served the community. Pirates were the mascot of Lovejoy and purple and gold the school colors.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mound City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pulaski
Frequently asked questions
Is Mound City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Mound City's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #191 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Mound City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Mound City'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 Mound City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mound City's water come from?
Mound City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 526 residents.
Is Mound City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mound City 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 29 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 Mound City's water compare to other cities?
Mound City ranks #191 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 79% of state cities) and #3005 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mound City's small water system affect quality?
Mound City's system serves approximately 526 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 29 violations on record.