Is Sumner, 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 ↓
82.1/100
waterverge.com Sumner, IL — Water Quality Report
Sumner's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,116 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 16 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sumner's water
Sumner ranks #500 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sumner 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, Sumner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sumner, IL water safe to drink?
Sumner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,116 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sumner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sumner's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Sumner'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
Sumner's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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 Sumner's water come from?
Sumner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,116 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sumner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sumner'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sumner
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.
- INDIAN REFINERY TEXACO LAWRENCEVILLE9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Lawrence County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sumner'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. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.430 mg/L (2010)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sumner compares by contaminant
Explore where Sumner ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sumner's water comes from
Sumner 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 Sumner'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,116 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sumner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH LAWRENCE WATER CORP | IL1010020 | 1,195 | GWP |
| SUMNER | IL1010300 | 921 | GWP |
How Sumner compares
Full Illinois rankings →Sumner's score of 82.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Sumner, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sumner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Sumner, IL tap water safe to drink?
Sumner's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #500 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Sumner's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Sumner'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 Sumner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sumner's water come from?
Sumner's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,116 residents.
What health violations has Sumner's water system had?
Sumner has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sumner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sumner 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 16 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 Sumner's water compare to other cities?
Sumner ranks #500 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 44% of state cities) and #7164 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.