Is Prairie Du Rochr, 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 ↓
73.8/100
waterverge.com Prairie Du Rochr, IL — Water Quality Report
Prairie Du Rochr's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 759 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Prairie Du Rochr's water
Prairie Du Rochr ranks #692 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Prairie Du Rochr purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
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, Prairie Du Rochr may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Prairie Du Rochr, IL water safe to drink?
Prairie Du Rochr's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 759 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Prairie Du Rochr
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Prairie Du Rochr's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Prairie Du Rochr'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
Prairie Du Rochr's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 7 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 Prairie Du Rochr's water come from?
Prairie Du Rochr's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 759 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Prairie Du Rochr residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Prairie Du Rochr'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.
Prairie Du Rochr'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
Flood & disaster history
Randolph County has experienced 7 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 Prairie Du Rochr'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. | 7.0 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Prairie Du Rochr compares by contaminant
Explore where Prairie Du Rochr ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Prairie Du Rochr's water comes from
Prairie Du Rochr purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Prairie Du Rochr's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 759 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Prairie Du Rochr
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRAIRIE DU ROCHER | IL1570400 | 759 | GWP |
How Prairie Du Rochr compares
Full Illinois rankings →Prairie Du Rochr's score of 73.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Prairie Du Rochr, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Prairie Du Rochr's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Prairie Du Rochr, IL tap water safe to drink?
Prairie Du Rochr's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #692 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Prairie Du Rochr's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Prairie Du Rochr'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 Prairie Du Rochr?
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 Prairie Du Rochr's water come from?
Prairie Du Rochr's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 759 residents.
What health violations has Prairie Du Rochr's water system had?
Prairie Du Rochr has 1 health-based violation 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Prairie Du Rochr's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Prairie Du Rochr 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 6 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 Prairie Du Rochr's water compare to other cities?
Prairie Du Rochr ranks #692 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 22% of state cities) and #10020 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Prairie Du Rochr's small water system affect quality?
Prairie Du Rochr's system serves approximately 759 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 6 violations on record.