Is Norris City, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com Norris City, IL — Water Quality Report
Norris City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,351 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 22 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norris City's water
Norris City ranks #379 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Norris City 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norris City, IL water safe to drink?
Norris City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,351 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Norris City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norris City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norris City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norris City's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
White County has experienced 9 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.
Where does Norris City's water come from?
Norris City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,351 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Norris City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norris City'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.
Norris City'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtGallatin 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
White County has experienced 9 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Norris City compares by contaminant
Explore where Norris City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norris City's water comes from
Norris City'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 3,351 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Norris City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORRIS CITY | IL1930350 | 2,155 | GW |
| GALLATIN-WHITE WATER DISTRICT | IL0595100 | 1,196 | GWP |
How Norris City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Norris City's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Norris City, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norris City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across White
Frequently asked questions
Is Norris City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Norris City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #379 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Norris City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Norris City'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 Norris City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norris City's water come from?
Norris City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,351 residents.
What health violations has Norris City's water system had?
Norris City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Norris City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Norris City 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 22 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 Norris City's water compare to other cities?
Norris City ranks #379 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 57% of state cities) and #5449 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.