Is Virginia, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.2/100
waterverge.com Virginia, IL — Water Quality Report
Virginia's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,514 residents using groundwater.
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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Virginia's water
Virginia ranks #150 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Virginia 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, Virginia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Virginia, IL water safe to drink?
Virginia's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,514 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Virginia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Virginia's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Virginia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Virginia's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Virginia's water come from?
Virginia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,514 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Virginia 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.
Virginia'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
Cass County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Virginia compares by contaminant
Explore where Virginia ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Virginia's water comes from
Virginia'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 1,514 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Virginia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIRGINIA | IL0170250 | 1,514 | GW |
How Virginia compares
Full Illinois rankings →Virginia's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Virginia, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Virginia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia, IL tap water safe to drink?
Virginia's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #150 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Virginia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Virginia'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 Virginia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Virginia's water come from?
Virginia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,514 residents.
Is Virginia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Virginia 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 5 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 Virginia's water compare to other cities?
Virginia ranks #150 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 83% of state cities) and #2369 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Virginia's small water system affect quality?
Virginia's system serves approximately 1,514 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 5 violations on record.