Is Nauvoo, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.4/100
waterverge.com Nauvoo, IL — Water Quality Report
Nauvoo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using surface 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 96 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nauvoo's water
Nauvoo ranks #527 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, Nauvoo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nauvoo, IL water safe to drink?
Nauvoo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Nauvoo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nauvoo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chloramine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nauvoo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nauvoo's water system has 96 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Nauvoo's water come from?
Nauvoo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Nauvoo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nauvoo'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.
Nauvoo'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 Nauvoo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nauvoo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15,316 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM CO FORT MADISON, IA52627 | Molybdenum trioxide | 15,256 | 6.1 mi |
CONAGRA FOODS PACKAGED FOODS LLC FORT MADISON, IA52627 | Ammonia | 56 | 3.5 mi |
KEOKUK STEEL CASTINGS KEOKUK, IA52632 | Manganese | 4 | 8.0 mi |
SCOTTS CO FORT MADISON IOWA FORT MADISON, IA52627 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS USA LLC- FORT MADISON PLANT FORT MADISON, IA52627 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Hancock County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Nauvoo compares by contaminant
Explore where Nauvoo ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nauvoo's water comes from
Nauvoo'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Nauvoo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAUVOO | IL0670500 | 1,200 | SW |
How Nauvoo compares
Full Illinois rankings →Nauvoo's score of 81.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Nauvoo, IL
Wikipedia →Nauvoo is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States, on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa. The population of Nauvoo was 950 at the 2020 census. Nauvoo attracts visitors for its historic importance and its religious significance to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Community of Christ, and other groups stemming from the Latter Day Saint movement, as well as the Icarians. The city and its immediate surrounding area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Nauvoo Historic District.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nauvoo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Nauvoo, IL tap water safe to drink?
Nauvoo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #527 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Nauvoo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 96 violations are on record.
How is Nauvoo'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 Nauvoo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nauvoo's water come from?
Nauvoo's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has Nauvoo's water system had?
Nauvoo has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Nauvoo's water compare to other cities?
Nauvoo ranks #527 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 41% of state cities) and #7479 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nauvoo's small water system affect quality?
Nauvoo's system serves approximately 1,200 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 96 violations on record.