Is Saint Jacob, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.2/100
waterverge.com Saint Jacob, IL — Water Quality Report
Saint Jacob's drinking water received a grade of B (75.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,835 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 24 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saint Jacob's water
Saint Jacob ranks #670 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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 Jacob may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saint Jacob, IL water safe to drink?
Saint Jacob's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,835 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Saint Jacob
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saint Jacob's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, 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 Saint Jacob's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saint Jacob's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 7 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 Sugar Creek, Silver Creek.
Where does Saint Jacob's water come from?
Saint Jacob's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,835 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sugar Creek (river), Silver Creek (river).
What Saint Jacob residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saint Jacob'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.
Saint Jacob'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
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 Saint Jacob compares by contaminant
Explore where Saint Jacob ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saint Jacob's water comes from
Saint Jacob'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 1,835 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Saint Jacob
Saint Jacob is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Saint Jacob
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST JACOB | IL1190950 | 1,835 | SWP |
How Saint Jacob compares
Full Illinois rankings →Saint Jacob's score of 75.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Saint Jacob, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saint Jacob's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Saint Jacob, IL tap water safe to drink?
Saint Jacob's water quality earned a grade of B (75.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #670 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Saint Jacob's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Saint Jacob'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 Jacob?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saint Jacob's water come from?
Saint Jacob's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,835 residents.
What health violations has Saint Jacob's water system had?
Saint Jacob has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Saint Jacob's water compare to other cities?
Saint Jacob ranks #670 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 25% of state cities) and #9655 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Saint Jacob's small water system affect quality?
Saint Jacob's system serves approximately 1,835 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 24 violations on record.