Is South Pekin, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com South Pekin, IL — Water Quality Report
South Pekin's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 996 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 68 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Pekin's water
South Pekin ranks #402 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
South Pekin 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, South Pekin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Pekin, IL water safe to drink?
South Pekin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 996 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Pekin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Pekin's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 South Pekin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Pekin's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tazewell County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include Mackinaw River, Illinois River.
Where does South Pekin's water come from?
South Pekin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 996 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mackinaw River (river), Illinois River (river).
What South Pekin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in South Pekin'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.
South Pekin'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 South Pekin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Pekin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 91,815 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PACIFIC ETHANOL PEKIN, LLC PEKIN, IL61554 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 89,333 | 4.3 mi |
POWERTON GENERATING STATION PEKIN, IL61554 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 2,086 | 3.4 mi |
CATERPILLAR INC MAPLETON PLANT MAPLETON, IL61547 | Chlorine | 376 | 6.5 mi |
EVONIK CORP MAPLETON, IL61547 | Zinc compounds | 16 | 6.2 mi |
FLSMIDTH PEKIN, IL61554 | Lead | 5 | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tazewell County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 South Pekin compares by contaminant
Explore where South Pekin ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Pekin's water comes from
South Pekin'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 996 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near South Pekin
South Pekin is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving South Pekin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH PEKIN | IL1790650 | 996 | GW |
How South Pekin compares
Full Illinois rankings →South Pekin's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About South Pekin, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Pekin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tazewell
Frequently asked questions
Is South Pekin, IL tap water safe to drink?
South Pekin's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #402 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in South Pekin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is South Pekin'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 South Pekin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Pekin's water come from?
South Pekin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 996 residents.
Is South Pekin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Pekin 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 68 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 South Pekin's water compare to other cities?
South Pekin ranks #402 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 55% of state cities) and #5743 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Pekin's small water system affect quality?
South Pekin's system serves approximately 996 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 68 violations on record.