Is Oblong, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.5/100
waterverge.com Oblong, IL — Water Quality Report
Oblong's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,321 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.6 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oblong's water
Oblong ranks #407 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Oblong purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Oblong may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oblong, IL water safe to drink?
Oblong's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,321 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oblong
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oblong's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oblong's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oblong's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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, North Fork Embarras River.
Where does Oblong's water come from?
Oblong's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,321 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), North Fork Embarras River (river).
What Oblong residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oblong'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Oblong'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 Oblong
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oblong, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 303,554 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARATHON PETROLEUM CO LP ILLINOIS REFINING DIV ROBINSON, IL62454 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 303,554 | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Crawford County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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. | 3.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oblong compares by contaminant
Explore where Oblong ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oblong's water comes from
Oblong purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Oblong's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,321 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oblong
Oblong is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oblong
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBLONG | IL0330150 | 2,321 | GWP |
How Oblong compares
Full Illinois rankings →Oblong's score of 84.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Oblong, IL
Wikipedia →Oblong is a village in Crawford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,466 at the 2010 census, and then was later recorded to be 1,371 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oblong's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Oblong, IL tap water safe to drink?
Oblong's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #407 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Oblong's water?
Lead was measured at 3.6 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Oblong'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 Oblong?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oblong's water come from?
Oblong's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,321 residents.
Is Oblong's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oblong 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 3 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 Oblong's water compare to other cities?
Oblong ranks #407 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 54% of state cities) and #5861 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oblong's small water system affect quality?
Oblong's system serves approximately 2,321 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 3 violations on record.