Is Shannon, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61.8/100
waterverge.com Shannon, IL — Water Quality Report
Shannon's drinking water received a grade of C (61.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 801 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 30.3 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 44 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shannon's water
Shannon ranks #800 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Shannon 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Shannon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shannon, IL water safe to drink?
Shannon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 801 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shannon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shannon's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.8/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shannon's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Shannon's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carroll County has experienced 8 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 Pecatonica River.
Where does Shannon's water come from?
Shannon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 801 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pecatonica River (river).
What Shannon residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shannon'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.
Shannon'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 Shannon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shannon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC-PLANT 4 FREEPORT, IL61032 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
ANCHOR-HARVEY COMPONENTS LLC FREEPORT, IL61032 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
TRI STAR METALS LLC FREEPORT, IL61032 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
ELKAY PLUMBING PRODUCTS CO LANARK, IL61046 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Carroll County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Shannon'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. | 30.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shannon compares by contaminant
Explore where Shannon ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shannon's water comes from
Shannon'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 801 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shannon
Shannon is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shannon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHANNON | IL0150300 | 801 | GW |
How Shannon compares
Full Illinois rankings →Shannon's score of 61.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Shannon, IL
Wikipedia →Shannon is a village in Carroll County, Illinois, United States. The population was 801 at the 2020 census, up from 757 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shannon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is Shannon, IL tap water safe to drink?
Shannon's water quality earned a grade of C (61.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #800 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Shannon's water?
Lead was measured at 30.3 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Shannon'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 Shannon?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shannon's water come from?
Shannon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 801 residents.
What health violations has Shannon's water system had?
Shannon has 34 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shannon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shannon 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 44 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 Shannon's water compare to other cities?
Shannon ranks #800 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 10% of state cities) and #11958 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shannon's small water system affect quality?
Shannon's system serves approximately 801 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 44 violations on record.