01The verdict: is Tower Hill water safe?
Tower Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
11 unresolved violations on record
EPA records show open compliance items for this system. Most are administrative, but unresolved items are worth watching.
See what was cited ↓Top half in Illinois
Tower Hill ranks #431 of 882 graded Illinois cities.
See the comparison ↓1 violation in the last five years
Recent compliance history is the best predictor of future problems — the year-by-year record is below.
See the record ↓Tower Hill's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 500 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program. The system has 34 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
Tower Hill ranks #431 out of 882 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state. Tower Hill 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. While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection. As a small community water system, Tower Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
02What's in Tower Hill's water
Every contaminant flagged in Tower Hill, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in Illinois
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in Illinois
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Tower Hill's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 34 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
6 of the last ten years were clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▼ Down 6 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 0 ppb (2025) — 0% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Tower Hill's water comes from
Tower Hill's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
2 systems
2 water systems, operated under local government ownership.
500 people
Residents served across Tower Hill's service area.
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 500 people through 2 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COWDEN | IL1730050 | 612 | Groundwater |
| TOWER HILL | IL1730500 | 500 | Purchased Surface Water |
Water bodies near Tower Hill
As a surface-water system, these water bodies may directly influence Tower Hill's drinking water supply.
05Pressure on Tower Hill's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Flood & storm history
2 federal disaster declarations on record for Shelby County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
06How Tower Hill compares
Scores for nearby Illinois cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = Illinois average (55/100)
Tower Hill scores 83.8/100 — above the Illinois average of 55/100. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities. Full Illinois rankings →
35.2 / 100DAurora, IL
45.5 / 100FJoliet, IL
38.5 / 100BNaperville, IL
81.2 / 100FRockford, IL
38.4 / 100FKankakee, IL
42.6 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Tower Hill's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
NSF-certified water filter. Lead detected at 5.6 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Tower Hill alerts
We refresh EPA data monthly and surface new violations, advisories, and boil-water notices for your county on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Tower Hill, IL tap water safe to drink?
Tower Hill's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #431 out of 882 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Tower Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Tower Hill'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 Tower Hill?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tower Hill's water come from?
Tower Hill's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has Tower Hill's water system had?
Tower Hill has 1 health-based violation 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Tower Hill's water compare to other cities?
Tower Hill ranks #431 out of 882 cities in Illinois (better than 51% of state cities) and #6237 out of 15382 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.