Is Steeleville, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Steeleville, IL — Water Quality Report
Steeleville's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,930 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 95 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Steeleville's water
Steeleville ranks #842 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Steeleville 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, Steeleville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Steeleville, IL water safe to drink?
Steeleville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,930 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Steeleville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Steeleville's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Steeleville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Steeleville's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Steeleville's water come from?
Steeleville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,930 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Steeleville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Steeleville'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.
Steeleville'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 Steeleville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Steeleville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPARTAN LIGHT METAL PRODUCTS INC SPARTA, IL62286 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Randolph County has experienced 7 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Steeleville compares by contaminant
Explore where Steeleville ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Steeleville's water comes from
Steeleville'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 1,930 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Steeleville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEELEVILLE | IL1570650 | 1,930 | GW |
How Steeleville compares
Full Illinois rankings →Steeleville's score of 50/100 is below the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Steeleville, IL
Wikipedia →Steeleville is a village in Randolph County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, Steeleville had a population of 1,930.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Steeleville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Steeleville, IL tap water safe to drink?
Steeleville's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #842 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Steeleville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.
How is Steeleville'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 Steeleville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Steeleville's water come from?
Steeleville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,930 residents.
What health violations has Steeleville's water system had?
Steeleville has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Steeleville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Steeleville 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 95 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 Steeleville's water compare to other cities?
Steeleville ranks #842 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 5% of state cities) and #13125 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Steeleville's small water system affect quality?
Steeleville's system serves approximately 1,930 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 95 violations on record.