Is Paloma, 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 ↓
81.3/100
waterverge.com Paloma, IL — Water Quality Report
Paloma's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 833 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 33 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paloma's water
Paloma ranks #529 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Paloma 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, Paloma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paloma, IL water safe to drink?
Paloma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 833 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paloma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paloma's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Paloma'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
Paloma's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams County has experienced 10 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 Bear Creek.
Where does Paloma's water come from?
Paloma's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 833 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek (river).
What Paloma residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paloma'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.
Paloma'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 Paloma
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Paloma, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GATESAIR QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
MANCHESTER TANK & EQUIPMENT QUINCY, IL62301 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
THE KNAPHEIDE MANUFACTURING CO QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Paloma
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ADAMS COUNTY QUINCY LANDFILLS 2 37.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Adams County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Paloma'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paloma compares by contaminant
Explore where Paloma ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paloma's water comes from
Paloma 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 Paloma'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 833 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Paloma
Paloma is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Paloma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAMS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT NO 1 | IL0015150 | 833 | GWP |
How Paloma compares
Full Illinois rankings →Paloma's score of 81.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Paloma, IL
Wikipedia →Paloma, Illinois is an unincorporated community in Honey Creek Township, Adams County, Illinois, United States. Its main auxiliary route is U.S. Route 24 and is within two miles of Coatsburg, another rural community. During the early 1900s the village was famous for its pickle production and was often nicknamed "Pickleville" because of the vast pickle farms.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paloma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Paloma, IL tap water safe to drink?
Paloma's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #529 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Paloma's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Paloma'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 Paloma?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paloma's water come from?
Paloma's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 833 residents.
What health violations has Paloma's water system had?
Paloma has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paloma's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paloma 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 33 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 Paloma's water compare to other cities?
Paloma ranks #529 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 41% of state cities) and #7521 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Paloma's small water system affect quality?
Paloma's system serves approximately 833 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 33 violations on record.