Is Oquawka, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Oquawka ranks. What to do next ↓
95.4/100
waterverge.com Oquawka, IL — Water Quality Report
Oquawka's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,125 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Oquawka's water
Oquawka ranks #11 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Oquawka 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, Oquawka may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oquawka, IL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Oquawka's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,125 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oquawka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oquawka's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.4/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Oquawka's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oquawka's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Henderson 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. Local water sources include Henderson Creek.
Where does Oquawka's water come from?
Oquawka's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,125 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Henderson Creek (river).
What Oquawka 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.
Oquawka'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
Flood & disaster history
Henderson 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oquawka compares by contaminant
Explore where Oquawka ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oquawka's water comes from
Oquawka'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 1,125 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oquawka
Oquawka is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oquawka
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OQUAWKA | IL0710300 | 1,125 | GW |
How Oquawka compares
Full Illinois rankings →Oquawka's score of 95.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Oquawka, IL
Wikipedia →Oquawka is a village and the county seat of Henderson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,134 at the 2020 census. Oquawka is part of the Burlington micropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oquawka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henderson
Frequently asked questions
Is Oquawka, IL tap water safe to drink?
Oquawka's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Oquawka's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Oquawka'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 Oquawka?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oquawka's water come from?
Oquawka's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,125 residents.
Is Oquawka's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oquawka 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 6 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 Oquawka's water compare to other cities?
Oquawka ranks #11 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 99% of state cities) and #321 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oquawka's small water system affect quality?
Oquawka's system serves approximately 1,125 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 6 violations on record.