Is Yates City, 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 ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Yates City, IL — Water Quality Report
Yates City's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 828 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 16 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Yates City's water
Yates City ranks #161 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Yates City relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Yates City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yates City, IL water safe to drink?
Yates City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 828 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Yates City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yates City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yates City's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Yates City's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Yates City's water come from?
Yates City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 828 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Yates City 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Yates City'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
Knox County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Yates City's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yates City compares by contaminant
Explore where Yates City ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yates City's water comes from
Yates City's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 828 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Yates City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YATES CITY | IL0950700 | 828 | GW |
How Yates City compares
Full Illinois rankings →Yates City's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Yates City, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yates City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is Yates City, IL tap water safe to drink?
Yates City's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #161 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Yates City's water?
Lead was measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Yates 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 Yates City?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yates City's water come from?
Yates City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 828 residents.
What health violations has Yates City's water system had?
Yates City has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Yates City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Yates City 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 16 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 Yates City's water compare to other cities?
Yates City ranks #161 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 82% of state cities) and #2604 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Yates City's small water system affect quality?
Yates City's system serves approximately 828 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 16 violations on record.