Is Olive Branch, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Olive Branch, IL — Water Quality Report
Olive Branch's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,763 residents using purchased ground 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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Olive Branch's water
Olive Branch ranks #550 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Olive Branch 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, Olive Branch may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Olive Branch, IL water safe to drink?
Olive Branch's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,763 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Olive Branch
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Olive Branch's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Olive Branch's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Olive Branch's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Alexander County has experienced 7 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 Mississippi River At Thebes.
Where does Olive Branch's water come from?
Olive Branch's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,763 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At Thebes (river).
What Olive Branch residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Olive Branch'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.
Olive Branch'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
D2 — severe droughtAlexander County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Alexander County has experienced 7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Olive Branch compares by contaminant
Explore where Olive Branch ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Olive Branch's water comes from
Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch'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 1,763 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Olive Branch
Olive Branch is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Olive Branch
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL ALEXANDER CNTY PWD | IL0035100 | 1,763 | GWP |
How Olive Branch compares
Full Illinois rankings →Olive Branch's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Olive Branch, IL
Wikipedia →Olive Branch is a census-designated place in Olive Branch and Sandusky precincts, Alexander County, Illinois, United States. It has a post office with the ZIP code 62969. Its population was 650 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Olive Branch's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alexander
Frequently asked questions
Is Olive Branch, IL tap water safe to drink?
Olive Branch's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #550 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Olive Branch's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Olive Branch'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 Olive Branch?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Olive Branch's water come from?
Olive Branch's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,763 residents.
Is Olive Branch's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Olive Branch 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 14 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 Olive Branch's water compare to other cities?
Olive Branch ranks #550 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 38% of state cities) and #7842 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Olive Branch's small water system affect quality?
Olive Branch's system serves approximately 1,763 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 14 violations on record.