Is Pawnee, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Pawnee, IL — Water Quality Report
Pawnee's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,739 residents using purchased surface 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 10 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pawnee's water
Pawnee ranks #183 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average 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.
As a small community water system, Pawnee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pawnee, IL water safe to drink?
Pawnee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,739 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pawnee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pawnee's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-438). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pawnee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pawnee's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sangamon County has experienced 2 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 Lick Creek, Sugar Creek.
Where does Pawnee's water come from?
Pawnee's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,739 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lick Creek (river), Sugar Creek (river).
What Pawnee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pawnee'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.
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 Pawnee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pawnee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 106 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KINCAID POWER STATION KINCAID, IL62540 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 106 | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sangamon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Pawnee compares by contaminant
Explore where Pawnee ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pawnee's water comes from
Pawnee'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 2,739 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pawnee
Pawnee 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 Pawnee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAWNEE | IL1670850 | 2,739 | SWP |
How Pawnee compares
Full Illinois rankings →Pawnee's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Pawnee, IL
Wikipedia →Gordon William Lillie, known professionally as Pawnee Bill, was an American showman and performer who specialized in Wild West shows and was known for his short partnership with William "Buffalo Bill" Cody. In 2010, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pawnee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sangamon
Frequently asked questions
Is Pawnee, IL tap water safe to drink?
Pawnee's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #183 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Pawnee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Pawnee'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 Pawnee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pawnee's water come from?
Pawnee's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,739 residents.
What health violations has Pawnee's water system had?
Pawnee has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pawnee's water compare to other cities?
Pawnee ranks #183 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 79% of state cities) and #2903 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pawnee's small water system affect quality?
Pawnee's system serves approximately 2,739 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.