Is New Burnside, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com New Burnside, IL — Water Quality Report
New Burnside's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,702 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 5 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about New Burnside's water
New Burnside ranks #184 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above 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 Burnside may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Burnside, IL water safe to drink?
New Burnside's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,702 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Burnside
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Burnside's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-373). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Burnside's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Burnside's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnson County has experienced 2 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. Local water sources include South Fork Saline River Nr Carrier Mills.
Where does New Burnside's water come from?
New Burnside's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,702 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Saline River Nr Carrier Mills (river).
What New Burnside 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.
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 Burnside
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Burnside, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS POWER COOPERATIVE MARION, IL62959 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtJohnson County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Johnson County has experienced 2 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 New Burnside compares by contaminant
Explore where New Burnside ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Burnside's water comes from
New Burnside'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 2,702 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Burnside
New Burnside is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving New Burnside
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BURNSIDE PWD | IL0875050 | 2,702 | SWP |
How New Burnside compares
Full Illinois rankings →New Burnside's score of 89.3/100 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 Burnside, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Burnside's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is New Burnside, IL tap water safe to drink?
New Burnside's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #184 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in New Burnside's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is New Burnside'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 Burnside?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Burnside's water come from?
New Burnside's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,702 residents.
What health violations has New Burnside's water system had?
New Burnside has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does New Burnside's water compare to other cities?
New Burnside ranks #184 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 79% of state cities) and #2904 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Burnside's small water system affect quality?
New Burnside's system serves approximately 2,702 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 5 violations on record.