Is Vergennes, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
62.9/100
waterverge.com Vergennes, IL — Water Quality Report
Vergennes's drinking water received a grade of C (62.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,411 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 95.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 36 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vergennes's water
Vergennes ranks #794 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Vergennes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vergennes, IL water safe to drink?
Vergennes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,411 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Vergennes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vergennes's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Vergennes's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Vergennes's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson 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 Big Muddy River.
Where does Vergennes's water come from?
Vergennes's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,411 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Muddy River (river).
What Vergennes residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vergennes'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.
Vergennes'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 Vergennes
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Vergennes, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRYSMIAN CABLES & SYSTEMS USA LLC DU QUOIN, IL62832 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
DUQUOIN LUBRICANTS BLENDING & PACKAGING DIV DU QUOIN, IL62832 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ILLINOIS MPP CORP DU QUOIN, IL62832 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
PENN ALUMINUM MURPHYSBORO, IL62966 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtJackson County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Jackson 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Vergennes'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. | 95.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Vergennes compares by contaminant
Explore where Vergennes ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vergennes's water comes from
Vergennes'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 1,411 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Vergennes
Vergennes is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Vergennes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELVERADO WATER DISTRICT | IL0770010 | 763 | SWP |
| VERGENNES | IL0770550 | 648 | SWP |
How Vergennes compares
Full Illinois rankings →Vergennes's score of 62.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Vergennes, IL
Wikipedia →Vergennes is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 235 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vergennes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Vergennes, IL tap water safe to drink?
Vergennes's water quality earned a grade of C (62.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #794 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Vergennes's water?
Lead was measured at 95.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Vergennes'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 Vergennes?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vergennes's water come from?
Vergennes's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,411 residents.
What health violations has Vergennes's water system had?
Vergennes has 3 health-based violations 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Vergennes's water compare to other cities?
Vergennes ranks #794 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 11% of state cities) and #11828 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.