Is Wamac, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Wamac, IL — Water Quality Report
Wamac's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,030 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wamac's water
Wamac ranks #490 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Wamac may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wamac, IL water safe to drink?
Wamac's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,030 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wamac
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wamac's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wamac's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wamac's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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.
Where does Wamac's water come from?
Wamac's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,030 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Wamac residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wamac'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wamac
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wamac, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC CENTRALIA, IL62801 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
SWAN SURFACES LLC CENTRALIA, IL62801 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
HAWKINS INC. - CENTRALIA CENTRALIA, IL62801 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wamac
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SANDOVAL ZINC COMPANY8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Marion County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wamac compares by contaminant
Explore where Wamac ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wamac's water comes from
Wamac'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 1,030 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Wamac
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAMAC | IL1214920 | 1,030 | SWP |
How Wamac compares
Full Illinois rankings →Wamac's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Wamac, IL
Wikipedia →Centralia is a city in Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties in the U.S. state of Illinois with the largest portion in Marion County. The city is the largest in three counties, Clinton, Marion, and Washington, but it is not a county seat for any of them. The population was 12,182 as of the 2020 census, down from 13,032 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wamac's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Wamac, IL tap water safe to drink?
Wamac's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #490 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Wamac's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Wamac'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 Wamac?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wamac's water come from?
Wamac's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,030 residents.
How does Wamac's water compare to other cities?
Wamac ranks #490 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 45% of state cities) and #7057 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wamac's small water system affect quality?
Wamac's system serves approximately 1,030 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 8 violations on record.