Is Pleasant Plains, 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 ↓
80/100
waterverge.com Pleasant Plains, IL — Water Quality Report
Pleasant Plains's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,508 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pleasant Plains's water
Pleasant Plains ranks #570 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pleasant Plains 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Pleasant Plains may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pleasant Plains, IL water safe to drink?
Pleasant Plains's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,508 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pleasant Plains
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pleasant Plains's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Pleasant Plains's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Pleasant Plains's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Sangamon River.
Where does Pleasant Plains's water come from?
Pleasant Plains's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,508 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sangamon River (river).
What Pleasant Plains residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pleasant Plains'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pleasant Plains'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. | 5.4 | 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. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.380 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Pleasant Plains compares by contaminant
Explore where Pleasant Plains ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pleasant Plains's water comes from
Pleasant Plains'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 1,508 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pleasant Plains
Pleasant Plains is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pleasant Plains
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANT PLAINS | IL1670900 | 1,508 | GW |
How Pleasant Plains compares
Full Illinois rankings →Pleasant Plains's score of 80/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Pleasant Plains, IL
Wikipedia →Pleasant Plains is a village in Sangamon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 809 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village was incorporated April 8, 1876
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pleasant Plains's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sangamon
Frequently asked questions
Is Pleasant Plains, IL tap water safe to drink?
Pleasant Plains's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #570 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Pleasant Plains's water?
Lead was measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Pleasant Plains'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 Pleasant Plains?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pleasant Plains's water come from?
Pleasant Plains's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,508 residents.
Is Pleasant Plains's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pleasant Plains 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 8 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 Pleasant Plains's water compare to other cities?
Pleasant Plains ranks #570 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 36% of state cities) and #8064 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pleasant Plains's small water system affect quality?
Pleasant Plains's system serves approximately 1,508 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 8 violations on record.