Is Ursa, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.5/100
waterverge.com Ursa, IL — Water Quality Report
Ursa's drinking water received a grade of A (94.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 626 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 43 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ursa's water
Ursa ranks #22 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ursa purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Ursa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ursa, IL water safe to drink?
Ursa's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 626 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ursa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ursa's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Dalapon, Diquat, Endothall.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ursa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ursa's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams County has experienced 10 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 Bear Creek.
Where does Ursa's water come from?
Ursa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 626 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek (river).
What Ursa residents can do
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.
Ursa'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 Ursa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ursa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GATESAIR QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
MIDWEST PATTERNS INC. QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
ADM ANIMAL NUTRITION INC QUINCY, IL62305 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
MANCHESTER TANK & EQUIPMENT QUINCY, IL62301 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
TITAN WHEEL CORP OF ILLINOIS QUINCY, IL62301 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Adams County has experienced 10 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 Ursa compares by contaminant
Explore where Ursa ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ursa's water comes from
Ursa 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 Ursa'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 626 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ursa
Ursa is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ursa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| URSA | IL0010700 | 626 | GWP |
How Ursa compares
Full Illinois rankings →Ursa's score of 94.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Ursa, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ursa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Ursa, IL tap water safe to drink?
Ursa's water quality earned a grade of A (94.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Ursa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Ursa'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 Ursa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ursa's water come from?
Ursa's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 626 residents.
What health violations has Ursa's water system had?
Ursa has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Ursa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ursa 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 43 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 Ursa's water compare to other cities?
Ursa ranks #22 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 98% of state cities) and #499 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ursa's small water system affect quality?
Ursa's system serves approximately 626 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 43 violations on record.