Is Tolono, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Tolono, IL — Water Quality Report
Tolono's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,884 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 33 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tolono's water
Tolono ranks #488 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Tolono purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tolono, IL water safe to drink?
Tolono's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,884 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tolono
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tolono's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Tolono's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tolono's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 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, Mill Creek Near Florissant, Coldwater Creek Near Black Jack.
Where does Tolono's water come from?
Tolono's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,884 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), Mill Creek Near Florissant (river), Coldwater Creek Near Black Jack (river).
What Tolono residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tolono'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.
Tolono'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 Tolono
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tolono, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GUARDIAN WEST URBANA, IL61802 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 3 | 9.7 mi |
FLEX-N-GATE URBANA, IL61802 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
EMULSICOAT INC URBANA, IL61802 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
KRAFT HEINZ FOODS CO CHAMPAIGN, IL61821 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
WIRCO INC. CHAMPAIGN, IL61821 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Tolono compares by contaminant
Explore where Tolono ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tolono's water comes from
Tolono 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 Tolono'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 3,884 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tolono
Tolono is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tolono
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL AMERICAN-TOLONO | IL0191000 | 3,604 | GWP |
| STONETOWN OAKS MHP LLC | IL0190070 | 280 | GWP |
How Tolono compares
Full Illinois rankings →Tolono's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Tolono, IL
Wikipedia →Godfrey is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,825 at the 2020 census. Godfrey is located within the River Bend portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tolono's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Champaign
Frequently asked questions
Is Tolono, IL tap water safe to drink?
Tolono's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #488 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Tolono's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Tolono'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 Tolono?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tolono's water come from?
Tolono's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,884 residents.
What health violations has Tolono's water system had?
Tolono has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tolono's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tolono 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 33 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 Tolono's water compare to other cities?
Tolono ranks #488 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 45% of state cities) and #7047 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.