Is Okawville, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-. Lead was detected — within EPA limits, but worth understanding. Here's the full picture. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Okawville, IL — Water Quality Report
Okawville's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,521 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Okawville's water
Okawville ranks #238 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Okawville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Okawville, IL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Okawville's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (88/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,521 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Okawville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Okawville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Okawville's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Okawville's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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 Little Crooked Creek, Kaskaskia River.
Where does Okawville's water come from?
Okawville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,521 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Crooked Creek (river), Kaskaskia River (river).
What Okawville 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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
Washington County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Okawville'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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Okawville compares by contaminant
Explore where Okawville ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Okawville's water comes from
Okawville'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 1,521 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Okawville
Okawville is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Okawville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKAWVILLE | IL1890400 | 1,521 | SWP |
How Okawville compares
Full Illinois rankings →Okawville's score of 88/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Okawville, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Okawville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Okawville, IL tap water safe to drink?
Okawville's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #238 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Okawville's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Okawville'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 Okawville?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Okawville's water come from?
Okawville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,521 residents.
What health violations has Okawville's water system had?
Okawville has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Okawville's water compare to other cities?
Okawville ranks #238 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 73% of state cities) and #3719 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Okawville's small water system affect quality?
Okawville's system serves approximately 1,521 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 7 violations on record.