Is Tallula, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Tallula, IL — Water Quality Report
Tallula's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 868 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tallula's water
Tallula ranks #186 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Tallula 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, Tallula may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tallula, IL water safe to drink?
Tallula's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 868 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tallula
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tallula's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-373). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tallula's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tallula's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Menard County has experienced 2 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 Sangamon River.
Where does Tallula's water come from?
Tallula's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 868 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sangamon River (river).
What Tallula residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tallula'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
Flood & disaster history
Menard County has experienced 2 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 Tallula compares by contaminant
Explore where Tallula ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tallula's water comes from
Tallula'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 868 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tallula
Tallula is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tallula
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TALLULA | IL1290250 | 868 | GW |
How Tallula compares
Full Illinois rankings →Tallula's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Tallula, IL
Wikipedia →Tallula is a village in Menard County, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1857 by William G. Greene. The population was 434 at the 2020 census, down from 488 in 2010. It is part of the Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tallula's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Menard
Frequently asked questions
Is Tallula, IL tap water safe to drink?
Tallula's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #186 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Tallula's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Tallula'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 Tallula?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tallula's water come from?
Tallula's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 868 residents.
Is Tallula's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tallula 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 5 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 Tallula's water compare to other cities?
Tallula ranks #186 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 79% of state cities) and #2927 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tallula's small water system affect quality?
Tallula's system serves approximately 868 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 5 violations on record.