Is Pierron, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.7/100
waterverge.com Pierron, IL — Water Quality Report
Pierron's drinking water received a grade of B (75.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,882 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 20 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pierron's water
Pierron ranks #663 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below 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, Pierron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pierron, IL water safe to drink?
Pierron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,882 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pierron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pierron's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Pierron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pierron's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 6 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 Shoal Creek.
Where does Pierron's water come from?
Pierron's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,882 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Shoal Creek (river).
What Pierron residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pierron'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.
Pierron'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 Pierron
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pierron, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EATON HIGHLAND HIGHLAND, IL62249 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
TROUW NUTRITION USA LLC HIGHLAND, IL62249 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Madison County has experienced 6 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pierron compares by contaminant
Explore where Pierron ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pierron's water comes from
Pierron'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 1,882 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pierron
Pierron is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pierron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIERRON | IL1194760 | 1,709 | SWP |
| COUNTRY VIEW MHC | IL0050400 | 173 | SWP |
How Pierron compares
Full Illinois rankings →Pierron's score of 75.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Pierron, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pierron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Pierron, IL tap water safe to drink?
Pierron's water quality earned a grade of B (75.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #663 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Pierron's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Pierron'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 Pierron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pierron's water come from?
Pierron's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,882 residents.
What health violations has Pierron's water system had?
Pierron has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pierron's water compare to other cities?
Pierron ranks #663 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 26% of state cities) and #9509 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.