Is New Memphis, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.2/100
waterverge.com New Memphis, IL — Water Quality Report
New Memphis's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 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 6 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Memphis's water
New Memphis ranks #562 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 Memphis may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Memphis, IL water safe to drink?
New Memphis's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Memphis
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Memphis's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Memphis's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
New Memphis's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clinton County has experienced 3 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 Sugar Creek, Kaskaskia River, Silver Creek.
Where does New Memphis's water come from?
New Memphis's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sugar Creek (river), Kaskaskia River (river), Silver Creek (river).
What New Memphis 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 Memphis'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
Flood & disaster history
Clinton County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in New Memphis's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.49 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.490 mg/L (2024)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how New Memphis compares by contaminant
Explore where New Memphis ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Memphis's water comes from
New Memphis'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 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Memphis
New Memphis 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 Memphis
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW MEMPHIS PWD | IL0275350 | 800 | SWP |
How New Memphis compares
Full Illinois rankings →New Memphis's score of 80.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About New Memphis, IL
Wikipedia →New Memphis is an unincorporated community in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. New Memphis is located near the junction of Illinois Route 160 and Illinois Route 177 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Mascoutah. New Memphis has a post office with ZIP code 62266.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Memphis's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clinton
Frequently asked questions
Is New Memphis, IL tap water safe to drink?
New Memphis's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #562 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in New Memphis's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is New Memphis'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 Memphis?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Memphis's water come from?
New Memphis's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has New Memphis's water system had?
New Memphis has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does New Memphis's water compare to other cities?
New Memphis ranks #562 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 37% of state cities) and #7984 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Memphis's small water system affect quality?
New Memphis's system serves approximately 800 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 6 violations on record.