Is Waverly, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.1/100
waterverge.com Waverly, IL — Water Quality Report
Waverly's drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,194 residents using surface water.
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 39 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Waverly's water
Waverly ranks #154 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 2.17 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Waverly may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waverly, IL water safe to drink?
Waverly's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,194 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Waverly
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waverly's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).
Contaminants: Chloramine, Revised Total Coliform 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: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waverly's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Waverly's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morgan County has experienced 7 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 Waverly's water come from?
Waverly's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,194 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Waverly 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.
Waverly'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
Morgan County has experienced 7 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 Waverly compares by contaminant
Explore where Waverly ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waverly's water comes from
Waverly'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 1,194 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Waverly
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAVERLY | IL1370450 | 1,194 | SW |
How Waverly compares
Full Illinois rankings →Waverly's score of 90.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Waverly, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waverly's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morgan
Frequently asked questions
Is Waverly, IL tap water safe to drink?
Waverly's water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #154 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Waverly's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Waverly'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 Waverly?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waverly's water come from?
Waverly's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,194 residents.
What health violations has Waverly's water system had?
Waverly has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Waverly's water compare to other cities?
Waverly ranks #154 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 83% of state cities) and #2415 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 Waverly's small water system affect quality?
Waverly's system serves approximately 1,194 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 39 violations on record.