Is Roxana, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
Roxana, IL — Water Quality Report
Roxana's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 residents using groundwater.
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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Roxana's water
Roxana ranks #134 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Roxana 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, Roxana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roxana, IL water safe to drink?
Roxana's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,509 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roxana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roxana's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roxana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roxana's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il, Cahokia Creek, Indian Creek, Spanish Lake Trib. Nr Black Jack, Watkins Ck At Belgrove Dr, Bellefontaine Neighbors.
Where does Roxana's water come from?
Roxana's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il (river), Cahokia Creek (river), Indian Creek (river), Spanish Lake Trib. Nr Black Jack (river), Watkins Ck At Belgrove Dr, Bellefontaine Neighbors (river).
What Roxana residents can do
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.
Roxana'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 Roxana
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roxana, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,160,461 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WOOD RIVER REFINERY ROXANA, IL62084 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,149,385 | 1.9 mi |
OLIN WINCHESTER LLC MAIN PLANT EAST ALTON, IL62024 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 8,869 | 5.1 mi |
WIELAND ROLLED PRODUCTS N.A. - EAST ALTON CASTING P EAST ALTON, IL62024 | Zinc compounds | 1,284 | 4.4 mi |
WIELAND ROLLED PRODUCTS N.A. - EAST ALTON MAIN PLAN EAST ALTON, IL62024 | Zinc compounds | 509 | 5.1 mi |
ALTON STEEL INC ALTON, IL62002 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 414 | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Roxana
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.
- CHEMETCO3.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Roxana compares by contaminant
Explore where Roxana ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roxana's water comes from
Roxana'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 1,509 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Roxana
Roxana is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roxana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROXANA | IL1190900 | 1,509 | GW |
How Roxana compares
Full Illinois rankings →Roxana's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Roxana, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roxana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Roxana, IL tap water safe to drink?
Roxana's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #134 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Roxana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Roxana'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 Roxana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roxana's water come from?
Roxana's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,509 residents.
Is Roxana's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roxana 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 3 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 Roxana's water compare to other cities?
Roxana ranks #134 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 85% of state cities) and #2199 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Roxana's small water system affect quality?
Roxana's system serves approximately 1,509 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 3 violations on record.