Is Wayne City, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Wayne City, IL — Water Quality Report
Wayne City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,755 residents using purchased 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 33 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wayne City's water
Wayne City ranks #471 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wayne City, IL water safe to drink?
Wayne City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,755 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wayne City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wayne City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Atrazine.
Contaminants: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE.
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 Wayne City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wayne City's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wayne 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. Local water sources include Skillet Fork.
Where does Wayne City's water come from?
Wayne City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,755 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Skillet Fork (river).
What Wayne City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wayne City'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.
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
Wayne 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wayne City compares by contaminant
Explore where Wayne City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wayne City's water comes from
Wayne City'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 4,755 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Wayne City
Wayne City is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Wayne City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTERN WAYNE WATER DISTRICT | IL1910010 | 3,516 | SWP |
| WAYNE CITY | IL1910450 | 1,239 | SW |
How Wayne City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Wayne City's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Wayne City, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wayne City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wayne
Frequently asked questions
Is Wayne City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Wayne City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #471 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Wayne City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Wayne City'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 Wayne City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wayne City's water come from?
Wayne City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,755 residents.
What health violations has Wayne City's water system had?
Wayne City has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wayne City's water compare to other cities?
Wayne City ranks #471 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 47% of state cities) and #6750 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.