Is New Athens, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.9/100
waterverge.com New Athens, IL — Water Quality Report
New Athens's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,970 residents using purchased 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 37 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Athens's water
New Athens ranks #510 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, New Athens may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Athens, IL water safe to drink?
New Athens's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,970 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Athens
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Athens's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
Contaminants: Atrazine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Athens's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Athens's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does New Athens's water come from?
New Athens's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,970 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Silver Creek (river), Kaskaskia River (river), Richland Creek (river).
What New Athens residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Athens'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.
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 New Athens
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Athens, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 393 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BALDWIN ENERGY COMPLEX BALDWIN, IL62217 | Ammonia | 393 | 7.4 mi |
HUBBELL-WIEGMANN FREEBURG, IL62243 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
SIEMENS MFG CO INC FREEBURG, IL62243 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
ROESLEIN MODULAR FABRICATION RED BUD, IL62278 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 New Athens compares by contaminant
Explore where New Athens ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Athens's water comes from
New Athens'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 1,970 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near New Athens
New Athens is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving New Athens
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW ATHENS | IL1631050 | 1,970 | SWP |
| KASKASKIA WATER DISTRICT | IL1635110 | — | SW |
How New Athens compares
Full Illinois rankings →New Athens's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About New Athens, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Athens's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is New Athens, IL tap water safe to drink?
New Athens's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #510 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in New Athens's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is New Athens'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 New Athens?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Athens's water come from?
New Athens's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,970 residents.
What health violations has New Athens's water system had?
New Athens has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does New Athens's water compare to other cities?
New Athens ranks #510 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 43% of state cities) and #7256 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.