Is New Boston, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com New Boston, IL — Water Quality Report
New Boston's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 613 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 12 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Boston's water
New Boston ranks #112 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
New Boston 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, New Boston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Boston, IL water safe to drink?
New Boston's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 613 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Boston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Boston's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Boston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Boston's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mercer County has experienced 8 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 Iowa River At Oakville, Edwards River, Pope Creek.
Where does New Boston's water come from?
New Boston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 613 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River At Oakville (river), Edwards River (river), Pope Creek (river).
What New Boston residents can do
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.
New Boston'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 New Boston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Boston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRIOAK FOODS LLC - FEED MILL OAKVILLE, IA52646 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Mercer County has experienced 8 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Boston compares by contaminant
Explore where New Boston ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Boston's water comes from
New Boston'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 613 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Boston
New Boston is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Boston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW BOSTON | IL1310250 | 613 | GW |
How New Boston compares
Full Illinois rankings →New Boston's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About New Boston, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Boston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mercer
Frequently asked questions
Is New Boston, IL tap water safe to drink?
New Boston's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #112 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in New Boston's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is New Boston'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 Boston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Boston's water come from?
New Boston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 613 residents.
What health violations has New Boston's water system had?
New Boston has 6 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Boston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Boston 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 12 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 New Boston's water compare to other cities?
New Boston ranks #112 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 87% of state cities) and #1890 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Boston's small water system affect quality?
New Boston's system serves approximately 613 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 12 violations on record.