Is Mounds, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com Mounds, IL — Water Quality Report
Mounds's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,135 residents using purchased ground water.
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 41 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mounds's water
Mounds ranks #667 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mounds purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Mounds may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mounds, IL water safe to drink?
Mounds's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,135 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mounds
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mounds's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Mounds's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mounds's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Mounds's water come from?
Mounds's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,135 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 Mounds residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mounds'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.
Mounds'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 Mounds
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mounds, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BUNGE CHEVRON AG RENEWABLES LLC CAIRO, IL62914 | — | — | 7.1 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 Mounds compares by contaminant
Explore where Mounds ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mounds's water comes from
Mounds purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Mounds's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,135 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mounds
Mounds is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mounds
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNDS | IL1530150 | 1,135 | GWP |
How Mounds compares
Full Illinois rankings →Mounds's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Mounds, IL
Wikipedia →Mounds is a city in Pulaski County, Illinois, United States. The population was 661 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mounds's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pulaski
Frequently asked questions
Is Mounds, IL tap water safe to drink?
Mounds's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #667 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Mounds's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Mounds'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 Mounds?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mounds's water come from?
Mounds's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,135 residents.
What health violations has Mounds's water system had?
Mounds has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mounds's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mounds 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 41 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 Mounds's water compare to other cities?
Mounds ranks #667 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 25% of state cities) and #9597 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mounds's small water system affect quality?
Mounds's system serves approximately 1,135 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 41 violations on record.