Is Smithton, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.5/100
waterverge.com Smithton, IL — Water Quality Report
Smithton's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,319 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 31 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Smithton's water
Smithton ranks #629 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Smithton, IL water safe to drink?
Smithton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,319 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Smithton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Smithton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Smithton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Smithton's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Smithton's water come from?
Smithton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,319 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Silver Creek (river), Kaskaskia River (river), Richland Creek (river).
What Smithton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Smithton'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Smithton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Smithton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BELLEVILLE SHOE MANUFACTURING CO BELLEVILLE, IL62220 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
KETTLER CASTING CO INC. BELLEVILLE, IL62220 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
VIDEOJET TECHNOLOGIES INC BELLEVILLE, IL62220 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
ROHO WEST BELLEVILLE, IL62223 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
HUBBELL-WIEGMANN FREEBURG, IL62243 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Smithton'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Smithton compares by contaminant
Explore where Smithton ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Smithton's water comes from
Smithton'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 4,319 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Smithton
Smithton is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Smithton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMITHTON | IL1631300 | 4,006 | SWP |
| FSH WATER COMMISSION | IL1635300 | 313 | SWP |
How Smithton compares
Full Illinois rankings →Smithton's score of 77.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Smithton, IL
Wikipedia →Smithton is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,006 in the 2020 United States census. It is part of the Metro East region of Greater Saint Louis.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Smithton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is Smithton, IL tap water safe to drink?
Smithton's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #629 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Smithton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Smithton'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 Smithton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Smithton's water come from?
Smithton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,319 residents.
What health violations has Smithton's water system had?
Smithton has 7 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Smithton's water compare to other cities?
Smithton ranks #629 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 29% of state cities) and #8971 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.