Is West Salem, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com West Salem, IL — Water Quality Report
West Salem's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 819 residents using purchased ground 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Salem's water
West Salem ranks #140 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
West Salem purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, West Salem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Salem, IL water safe to drink?
West Salem's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 819 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 West Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Salem's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Edwards 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 Bonpas Creek.
Where does West Salem's water come from?
West Salem's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 819 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bonpas Creek (river).
What West Salem residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Salem'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
Edwards 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 West Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where West Salem ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Salem's water comes from
West Salem purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of West Salem's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 819 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Salem
West Salem is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST SALEM | IL0470200 | 819 | GWP |
How West Salem compares
Full Illinois rankings →West Salem's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About West Salem, IL
Wikipedia →West Salem is a village in Edwards County, Illinois, United States. The population was 786 at the 2020 census, down from 897 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Salem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Edwards
Frequently asked questions
Is West Salem, IL tap water safe to drink?
West Salem's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #140 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in West Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is West Salem'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 West Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Salem's water come from?
West Salem's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 819 residents.
What health violations has West Salem's water system had?
West Salem has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is West Salem's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Salem 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 10 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 West Salem's water compare to other cities?
West Salem ranks #140 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 84% of state cities) and #2258 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Salem's small water system affect quality?
West Salem's system serves approximately 819 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 10 violations on record.