Is Wolf Lake, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com Wolf Lake, IL — Water Quality Report
Wolf Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 8 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wolf Lake's water
Wolf Lake ranks #248 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wolf Lake 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, Wolf Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wolf Lake, IL water safe to drink?
Wolf Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 738 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wolf Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wolf Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Wolf Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wolf Lake's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Wolf Lake's water come from?
Wolf Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 738 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Wolf Lake 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.
Wolf Lake'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtUnion County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Union County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wolf Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Wolf Lake ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wolf Lake's water comes from
Wolf Lake 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 Wolf Lake'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 738 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Wolf Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHAWNEE VALLEY PWD | IL1815550 | 738 | GWP |
How Wolf Lake compares
Full Illinois rankings →Wolf Lake's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Wolf Lake, IL
Wikipedia →Wolf Lake is an unincorporated community in Union County, Illinois, United States. The community is located on Illinois Route 3 between the Big Muddy River to the north and Ware to the south. It is about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the Mississippi River. The nearest incorporated city to Wolf Lake is Jonesboro, which is about 10 miles (16 km) southeast. Cape Girardeau, Missouri is about 10 miles (16 km) to the south-southwest. Total population for Wolf Lake's ZIP code (62998) was 357 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wolf Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Wolf Lake, IL tap water safe to drink?
Wolf Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #248 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Wolf Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Wolf Lake'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 Wolf Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wolf Lake's water come from?
Wolf Lake's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 738 residents.
What health violations has Wolf Lake's water system had?
Wolf Lake has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wolf Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wolf Lake 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 8 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 Wolf Lake's water compare to other cities?
Wolf Lake ranks #248 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 72% of state cities) and #3790 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wolf Lake's small water system affect quality?
Wolf Lake's system serves approximately 738 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 8 violations on record.