Is Sandoval, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
Sandoval, IL — Water Quality Report
Sandoval's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,529 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sandoval's water
Sandoval ranks #73 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, Sandoval may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sandoval, IL water safe to drink?
Sandoval's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,529 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sandoval
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sandoval's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Sandoval's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sandoval's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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 East Fork Kaskaskia River.
Where does Sandoval's water come from?
Sandoval's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,529 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Fork Kaskaskia River (river).
What Sandoval 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sandoval
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sandoval, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC CENTRALIA, IL62801 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
SWAN SURFACES LLC CENTRALIA, IL62801 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
HAWKINS INC. - CENTRALIA CENTRALIA, IL62801 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
NORTH AMERICAN LIGHTING INC SALEM, IL62881 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
RADIAC ABRASIVES INC SALEM, IL62881 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sandoval
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.
- SANDOVAL ZINC COMPANY0.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Marion 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sandoval compares by contaminant
Explore where Sandoval ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sandoval's water comes from
Sandoval'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 1,529 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sandoval
Sandoval 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 Sandoval
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANDOVAL | IL1210500 | 1,528 | SWP |
| GATEWAY REGIONAL WATER COMPANY | IL0270040 | 1 | SW |
How Sandoval compares
Full Illinois rankings →Sandoval's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Sandoval, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sandoval's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Sandoval, IL tap water safe to drink?
Sandoval's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Sandoval's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Sandoval'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 Sandoval?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sandoval's water come from?
Sandoval's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,529 residents.
What health violations has Sandoval's water system had?
Sandoval has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sandoval's water compare to other cities?
Sandoval ranks #73 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 92% of state cities) and #1296 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.