Is Pearl City, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 39 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Pearl City, IL — Water Quality Report
Pearl City's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 790 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 115 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pearl City's water
Pearl City ranks #858 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pearl City 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, Pearl City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pearl City, IL water safe to drink?
Pearl City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 790 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pearl City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pearl City's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pearl City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pearl City's water system has 115 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stephenson County has experienced 5 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 Pearl City's water come from?
Pearl City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 790 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pearl City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pearl City'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.
Pearl City'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 Pearl City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pearl City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TITAN TIRE CORP OF FREEPORT FREEPORT, IL61032 | Zinc compounds | 15 | 8.5 mi |
ADKINS ENERGY LLC LENA, IL61048 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
KOLB LENA CHEESE INC. LENA, IL61048 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Stephenson County has experienced 5 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pearl City compares by contaminant
Explore where Pearl City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pearl City's water comes from
Pearl City'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 790 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pearl City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEARL CITY | IL1770400 | 790 | GW |
How Pearl City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Pearl City's score of 47/100 is below the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Pearl City, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pearl City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stephenson
Frequently asked questions
Is Pearl City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Pearl City's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #858 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Pearl City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 115 violations are on record.
How is Pearl City'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 Pearl City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pearl City's water come from?
Pearl City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 790 residents.
Is Pearl City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pearl City 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 115 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 Pearl City's water compare to other cities?
Pearl City ranks #858 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 4% of state cities) and #13788 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pearl City's small water system affect quality?
Pearl City's system serves approximately 790 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 115 violations on record.