Is Payson, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Payson, IL — Water Quality Report
Payson's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,386 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 16 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Payson's water
Payson ranks #178 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Payson 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, Payson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Payson, IL water safe to drink?
Payson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,386 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Payson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Payson's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Payson'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
Payson's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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.
Where does Payson's water come from?
Payson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,386 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Payson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Payson'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.
Payson'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 Payson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Payson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONTINENTAL CEMENT CO LLC HANNIBAL, MO63401 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 9.6 mi |
SEM MINERALS LP QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
PRINCE AGRI PRODUCTS INC QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
HUBER ENGINEERED MATERIALS QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Payson
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 37.9 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 Payson'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. | 1.7 | 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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.440 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Payson compares by contaminant
Explore where Payson ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Payson's water comes from
Payson'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 1,386 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Payson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAYSON | IL0010550 | 1,386 | GW |
How Payson compares
Full Illinois rankings →Payson's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Payson, IL
Wikipedia →Payson is a village in Adams County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,025 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Quincy, IL–MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Payson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Payson, IL tap water safe to drink?
Payson's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #178 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Payson's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Payson'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 Payson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Payson's water come from?
Payson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,386 residents.
What health violations has Payson's water system had?
Payson has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Payson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Payson 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 16 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 Payson's water compare to other cities?
Payson ranks #178 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 80% of state cities) and #2847 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 Payson's small water system affect quality?
Payson's system serves approximately 1,386 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 16 violations on record.