Is Tamms, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Tamms, IL — Water Quality Report
Tamms's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,838 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 25 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tamms's water
Tamms ranks #434 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tamms 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, Tamms may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tamms, IL water safe to drink?
Tamms's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,838 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tamms
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tamms's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Tamms's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tamms's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Alexander 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 Tamms's water come from?
Tamms's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,838 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tamms residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tamms'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.
Tamms'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAlexander County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Alexander 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tamms compares by contaminant
Explore where Tamms ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tamms's water comes from
Tamms'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 2,838 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tamms
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHWATER INC | IL0030020 | 2,185 | GW |
| TAMMS | IL0030100 | 653 | GWP |
How Tamms compares
Full Illinois rankings →Tamms's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Tamms, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tamms's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alexander
Frequently asked questions
Is Tamms, IL tap water safe to drink?
Tamms's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #434 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Tamms's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Tamms'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 Tamms?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tamms's water come from?
Tamms's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,838 residents.
Is Tamms's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tamms 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 25 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 Tamms's water compare to other cities?
Tamms ranks #434 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 51% of state cities) and #6328 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.