Is Villa Grove, 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 ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Villa Grove, IL — Water Quality Report
Villa Grove's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,467 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 14 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Villa Grove's water
Villa Grove ranks #477 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Villa Grove 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.
As a small community water system, Villa Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Villa Grove, IL water safe to drink?
Villa Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,467 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Villa Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Villa Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Villa Grove'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
Villa Grove's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison 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 Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il, Mill Creek Near Florissant, Coldwater Creek Near Black Jack.
Where does Villa Grove's water come from?
Villa Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,467 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River Pool Lock And Dam 26 At Alton,Il (river), Mill Creek Near Florissant (river), Coldwater Creek Near Black Jack (river).
What Villa Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Villa Grove'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.
Villa Grove'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
Flood & disaster history
Madison 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 Villa Grove'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.66 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Villa Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Villa Grove ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Villa Grove's water comes from
Villa Grove'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 2,467 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Villa Grove
Villa Grove is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Villa Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL AMERICAN-VILLA GROVE | IL0410350 | 2,467 | GW |
How Villa Grove compares
Full Illinois rankings →Villa Grove's score of 82.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Villa Grove, IL
Wikipedia →Godfrey is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,825 at the 2020 census. Godfrey is located within the River Bend portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Villa Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Villa Grove, IL tap water safe to drink?
Villa Grove's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #477 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Villa Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Villa Grove'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 Villa Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Villa Grove's water come from?
Villa Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,467 residents.
What health violations has Villa Grove's water system had?
Villa Grove has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Villa Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Villa Grove 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 14 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 Villa Grove's water compare to other cities?
Villa Grove ranks #477 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 46% of state cities) and #6818 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Villa Grove's small water system affect quality?
Villa Grove's system serves approximately 2,467 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 14 violations on record.