Is Winchester, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.1/100
waterverge.com Winchester, IL — Water Quality Report
Winchester's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 6,065 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 45 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winchester's water
Winchester ranks #727 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winchester, IL water safe to drink?
Winchester's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 6,065 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Winchester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winchester's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Winchester's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Winchester's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Scott County has experienced 6 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 Winchester's water come from?
Winchester's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 6,065 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Winchester residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winchester'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.
Winchester'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
Scott County has experienced 6 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 Winchester compares by contaminant
Explore where Winchester ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winchester's water comes from
Winchester'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 private ownership and serves approximately 6,065 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Winchester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMG WATER COOP | IL1370030 | 3,110 | SWP |
| WINCHESTER | IL1710350 | 1,589 | GW |
| EXETER-MERRITT WATER COOP | IL1710010 | 820 | GWP |
| SCOTT COUNTY RURAL WATER CO-OP | IL1710020 | 493 | GWP |
| WEST MORGAN WATER CORPORATION | IL1370010 | 53 | GWP |
How Winchester compares
Full Illinois rankings →Winchester's score of 71.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Winchester, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Winchester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morgan
Frequently asked questions
Is Winchester, IL tap water safe to drink?
Winchester's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #727 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Winchester's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Winchester'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 Winchester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winchester's water come from?
Winchester's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 6,065 residents.
What health violations has Winchester's water system had?
Winchester has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Winchester's water compare to other cities?
Winchester ranks #727 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 18% of state cities) and #10610 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.