Is Saint Elmo, 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 ↓
92.4/100
waterverge.com Saint Elmo, IL — Water Quality Report
Saint Elmo's drinking water received a grade of A (92.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,272 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 42 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Saint Elmo's water
Saint Elmo ranks #70 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Saint Elmo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saint Elmo, IL water safe to drink?
Saint Elmo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,272 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Saint Elmo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saint Elmo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.4/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saint Elmo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saint Elmo's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Fayette County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Hickory Creek.
Where does Saint Elmo's water come from?
Saint Elmo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,272 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Hickory Creek (river).
What Saint Elmo 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.
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
Fayette County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Saint Elmo compares by contaminant
Explore where Saint Elmo ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saint Elmo's water comes from
Saint Elmo'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 1,272 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Saint Elmo
Saint Elmo 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 Saint Elmo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST ELMO | IL0510250 | 1,272 | SWP |
How Saint Elmo compares
Full Illinois rankings →Saint Elmo's score of 92.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saint Elmo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Saint Elmo, IL tap water safe to drink?
Saint Elmo's water quality earned a grade of A (92.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #70 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Saint Elmo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Saint Elmo'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 Saint Elmo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saint Elmo's water come from?
Saint Elmo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,272 residents.
What health violations has Saint Elmo's water system had?
Saint Elmo has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Saint Elmo's water compare to other cities?
Saint Elmo ranks #70 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 92% of state cities) and #1259 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Saint Elmo's small water system affect quality?
Saint Elmo's system serves approximately 1,272 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 42 violations on record.