Is Oreana, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.3/100
waterverge.com Oreana, IL — Water Quality Report
Oreana's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 892 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oreana's water
Oreana ranks #557 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Oreana 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, Oreana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oreana, IL water safe to drink?
Oreana's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 892 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oreana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oreana's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-583). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oreana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Oreana's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Macon County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Sangamon River.
Where does Oreana's water come from?
Oreana's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 892 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sangamon River (river).
What Oreana residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oreana'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.
Oreana'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 Oreana
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oreana, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 14,935 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRIMARY PRODUCTS INGREDIENTS AMERICAS LLC - DECATUR DECATUR, IL62521 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 14,935 | 7.1 mi |
INTERNATIONAL CONTROL SERVICES INC. DECATUR, IL62521 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
CATERPILLAR INC. DECATUR FAC. DECATUR, IL62526 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
DECATUR FOUNDRY INC DECATUR, IL62526 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
MUELLER CO-PLANT #1 DECATUR, IL62522 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Macon County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oreana'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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 900.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oreana compares by contaminant
Explore where Oreana ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oreana's water comes from
Oreana 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 Oreana'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 892 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oreana
Oreana is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oreana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OREANA | IL1150450 | 892 | GWP |
How Oreana compares
Full Illinois rankings →Oreana's score of 80.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Oreana, IL
Wikipedia →Forsyth is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 3,734 at the 2020 census, up from 3,490 in 2010. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oreana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Macon
Frequently asked questions
Is Oreana, IL tap water safe to drink?
Oreana's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #557 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Oreana's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Oreana'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 Oreana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oreana's water come from?
Oreana's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 892 residents.
Is Oreana's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oreana 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 10 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 Oreana's water compare to other cities?
Oreana ranks #557 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 37% of state cities) and #7933 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 Oreana's small water system affect quality?
Oreana's system serves approximately 892 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 10 violations on record.