Is South Roxana, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.7/100
waterverge.com South Roxana, IL — Water Quality Report
South Roxana's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,891 residents using purchased ground 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 19 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Roxana's water
South Roxana ranks #719 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
South Roxana purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, South Roxana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Roxana, IL water safe to drink?
South Roxana's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,891 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Roxana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Roxana's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.7/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). 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 Roxana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Roxana's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 6 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 Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il, Cahokia Creek, Indian Creek, Watkins Ck At Belgrove Dr, Bellefontaine Neighbors.
Where does South Roxana's water come from?
South Roxana's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,891 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il (river), Cahokia Creek (river), Indian Creek (river), Watkins Ck At Belgrove Dr, Bellefontaine Neighbors (river).
What South Roxana residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in South Roxana'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 Roxana'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 Roxana
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Roxana, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,365,622 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WOOD RIVER REFINERY ROXANA, IL62084 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,149,385 | 2.6 mi |
U.S. STEEL GRANITE CITY WORKS GRANITE CITY, IL62040 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 205,575 | 9.0 mi |
OLIN WINCHESTER LLC MAIN PLANT EAST ALTON, IL62024 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 8,869 | 5.9 mi |
WIELAND ROLLED PRODUCTS N.A. - EAST ALTON CASTING P EAST ALTON, IL62024 | Zinc compounds | 1,284 | 5.0 mi |
WIELAND ROLLED PRODUCTS N.A. - EAST ALTON MAIN PLAN EAST ALTON, IL62024 | Zinc compounds | 509 | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of South Roxana
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CHEMETCO2.2 mi
- JENNISON WRIGHT CORPORATION8.6 mi
- NL INDUSTRIES TARACORP LEAD SMELTER9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Madison County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Roxana compares by contaminant
Explore where South Roxana ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Roxana's water comes from
South Roxana purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of South Roxana's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,891 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near South Roxana
South Roxana is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving South Roxana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH ROXANA | IL1190970 | 1,891 | GWP |
How South Roxana compares
Full Illinois rankings →South Roxana's score of 71.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About South Roxana, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Roxana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is South Roxana, IL tap water safe to drink?
South Roxana's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #719 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in South Roxana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is South Roxana'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 Roxana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Roxana's water come from?
South Roxana's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,891 residents.
Is South Roxana's groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Roxana 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 19 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 Roxana's water compare to other cities?
South Roxana ranks #719 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 19% of state cities) and #10505 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Roxana's small water system affect quality?
South Roxana's system serves approximately 1,891 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 19 violations on record.