Is Tower Hill, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Tower Hill, IL — Water Quality Report
Tower Hill's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,112 residents using groundwater.
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.
What to know about Tower Hill's water
Tower Hill ranks #395 out of 891 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tower Hill, IL water safe to drink?
Tower Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,112 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tower Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tower Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). 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 Tower Hill's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Tower Hill's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Shelby County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Kaskaskia River.
Where does Tower Hill's water come from?
Tower Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,112 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kaskaskia River (river).
What Tower Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tower Hill'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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
Shelby County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Tower Hill'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tower Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Tower Hill ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tower Hill's water comes from
Tower Hill'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 1,112 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tower Hill
Tower Hill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tower Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COWDEN | IL1730050 | 612 | GW |
| TOWER HILL | IL1730500 | 500 | SWP |
How Tower Hill compares
Full Illinois rankings →Tower Hill's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Tower Hill, IL
Wikipedia →Cowden is a village in Shelby County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, Cowden had a population of 515.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tower Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shelby
Frequently asked questions
Is Tower Hill, IL tap water safe to drink?
Tower Hill's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #395 out of 891 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 Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,112 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.
Is Tower Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tower Hill 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 34 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 Tower Hill's water compare to other cities?
Tower Hill ranks #395 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 56% of state cities) and #5691 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.