Is Watson, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84/100
waterverge.com Watson, IL — Water Quality Report
Watson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 754 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 6 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watson's water
Watson ranks #428 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Watson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watson, IL water safe to drink?
Watson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 754 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Watson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Watson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Watson's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Effingham 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 Watson's water come from?
Watson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 754 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Watson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Watson'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 Watson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Watson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADM ANIMAL NUTRITION EFFINGHAM, IL62401 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
EFFINGHAM MACHINING & ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS EFFINGHAM, IL62401 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Effingham 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. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Watson compares by contaminant
Explore where Watson ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watson's water comes from
Watson'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 754 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Watson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EJ WATER-WATSON | IL0490500 | 754 | SWP |
How Watson compares
Full Illinois rankings →Watson's score of 84/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Watson, IL
Wikipedia →Dieterich is a village in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. The population was 890 at the 2020 census. Dieterich is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Effingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Watson, IL tap water safe to drink?
Watson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #428 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Watson's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Watson'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 Watson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watson's water come from?
Watson's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 754 residents.
What health violations has Watson's water system had?
Watson has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Watson's water compare to other cities?
Watson ranks #428 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 52% of state cities) and #6163 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Watson's small water system affect quality?
Watson's system serves approximately 754 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 6 violations on record.