Is Sidell, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Sidell, IL — Water Quality Report
Sidell's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 557 residents using groundwater.
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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sidell's water
Sidell ranks #190 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sidell 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.
As a small community water system, Sidell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sidell, IL water safe to drink?
Sidell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 557 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sidell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sidell's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Sidell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sidell's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Vermilion 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.
Where does Sidell's water come from?
Sidell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 557 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sidell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sidell'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.
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
Vermilion 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 Sidell compares by contaminant
Explore where Sidell ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sidell's water comes from
Sidell'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 557 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sidell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIDELL | IL1830850 | 557 | GW |
How Sidell compares
Full Illinois rankings →Sidell's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Sidell, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sidell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vermilion
Frequently asked questions
Is Sidell, IL tap water safe to drink?
Sidell's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #190 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Sidell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Sidell'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 Sidell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sidell's water come from?
Sidell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 557 residents.
Is Sidell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sidell 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 15 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 Sidell's water compare to other cities?
Sidell ranks #190 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 79% of state cities) and #3002 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sidell's small water system affect quality?
Sidell's system serves approximately 557 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 15 violations on record.