Is Newton, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Newton ranks. What to do next ↓
96.9/100
waterverge.com Newton, IL — Water Quality Report
Newton's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,977 residents using groundwater.
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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Newton's water
Newton ranks #4 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Newton 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, Newton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newton, IL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Newton's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,977 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newton's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.9/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Newton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newton's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Embarras River.
Where does Newton's water come from?
Newton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,977 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Embarras River (river).
What Newton 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 Newton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,550 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NEWTON ENERGY CENTER NEWTON, IL62448 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 1,550 | 7.8 mi |
EVAPCO INC NEWTON, IL62448 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
SKYLINE STEEL LLC-NEWTON NEWTON, IL62448 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jasper County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Newton compares by contaminant
Explore where Newton ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newton's water comes from
Newton'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 2,977 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Newton
Newton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Newton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWTON | IL0790100 | 2,977 | GW |
How Newton compares
Full Illinois rankings →Newton's score of 96.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Newton, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Newton, IL tap water safe to drink?
Newton's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Newton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Newton'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 Newton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newton's water come from?
Newton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,977 residents.
Is Newton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newton 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 2 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 Newton's water compare to other cities?
Newton ranks #4 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 100% of state cities) and #123 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newton's small water system affect quality?
Newton's system serves approximately 2,977 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 2 violations on record.