C59/100
Arcola Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,927 residents · Illinois
What's In Arcola's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – November 7, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Consumer confidence report — content deficiency
When: November 22, 2021 – March 30, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
ARCOLA
Population Served
2,927
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL0410050
Frequently Asked Questions About Arcola Water
Is Arcola tap water safe to drink?
Arcola, Illinois tap water receives a grade of C (59/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 17 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Arcola's water?
1 contaminants were tested in Arcola's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Arcola have any water quality violations?
Yes, Arcola has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Arcola?
Arcola water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Arcola's tap water come from?
Arcola's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by ARCOLA. The system serves approximately 2,927 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Arcola's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Arcola's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Arcola's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Arcola's water quality score of 59/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Arcola's water quality?
If you have concerns about Arcola's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ARCOLA) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.