Is Towanda, 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 ↓
72.9/100
waterverge.com Towanda, IL — Water Quality Report
Towanda's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 690 residents using purchased surface 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 23 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Towanda's water
Towanda ranks #702 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Towanda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Towanda, IL water safe to drink?
Towanda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 690 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Towanda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Towanda's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Towanda'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
Towanda's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McLean 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 Money Creek, Sixmile Creek, Kickapoo Creek, Sugar Creek.
Where does Towanda's water come from?
Towanda's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 690 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Money Creek (river), Sixmile Creek (river), Kickapoo Creek (river), Sugar Creek (river).
What Towanda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Towanda'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Towanda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Towanda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARGILL INC BLOOMINGTON, IL61701 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS OFF ROAD NORMAL, IL61761 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
VCNA PRAIRIE LLC - YARD 1026 BLOOMINGTON, IL61701 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE NORMAL, IL61761 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
McLean 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Towanda'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. | 1.54 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.540 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Towanda compares by contaminant
Explore where Towanda ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Towanda's water comes from
Towanda's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 690 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Towanda
Towanda is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Towanda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWANDA | IL1131050 | 480 | SWP |
| INDIAN CREEK HOMEOWNERS AND WATER ASSN. | IL1135250 | 210 | GW |
How Towanda compares
Full Illinois rankings →Towanda's score of 72.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Towanda, IL
Wikipedia →Towanda is a village in McLean County, Illinois, United States. The population was 431 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Bloomington–Normal Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Towanda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Towanda, IL tap water safe to drink?
Towanda's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #702 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Towanda's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Towanda'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 Towanda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Towanda's water come from?
Towanda's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 690 residents.
What health violations has Towanda's water system had?
Towanda has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does Towanda's water compare to other cities?
Towanda ranks #702 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 21% of state cities) and #10212 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.