Is Saybrook, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Saybrook, IL — Water Quality Report
Saybrook's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 679 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 76 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saybrook's water
Saybrook ranks #209 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Saybrook 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.
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, Saybrook may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saybrook, IL water safe to drink?
Saybrook's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 679 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Saybrook
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saybrook's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-373). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saybrook'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.
Violation history
Saybrook's water system has 76 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
McLean County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Saybrook's water come from?
Saybrook's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 679 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Saybrook residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saybrook'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.
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 Saybrook
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Saybrook, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GIBSON SOLAE GIBSON CITY, IL60936 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
ONE EARTH ENERGY LLC GIBSON CITY, IL60936 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
McLean County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Saybrook'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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saybrook compares by contaminant
Explore where Saybrook ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saybrook's water comes from
Saybrook'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 679 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Saybrook
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAYBROOK | IL1130950 | 679 | GW |
How Saybrook compares
Full Illinois rankings →Saybrook's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Saybrook, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saybrook's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Saybrook, IL tap water safe to drink?
Saybrook's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #209 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Saybrook's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 76 violations are on record.
How is Saybrook'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 Saybrook?
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 Saybrook's water come from?
Saybrook's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 679 residents.
Is Saybrook's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Saybrook 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 76 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 Saybrook's water compare to other cities?
Saybrook ranks #209 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 77% of state cities) and #3323 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Saybrook's small water system affect quality?
Saybrook's system serves approximately 679 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 76 violations on record.