TapSafetyReport
B75/100

Breese Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 4,772 residents · Illinois

What's In Breese's Tap Water?

34
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

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: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 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: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2024 – September 16, 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: October 1, 2023 – December 28, 2023Rule: Stage 1 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, 2023 – June 23, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 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: October 1, 2021 – December 28, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

BREESE
Population Served

4,772

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IL0270250

Frequently Asked Questions About Breese Water

Is Breese tap water safe to drink?

Breese, Illinois tap water receives a grade of B (75/100), which is considered good. Out of 34 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in Breese's water?

Of the 34 contaminants tested in Breese's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Breese have any water quality violations?

Yes, Breese has 22 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. None of these are classified as health-based violations.

Do I need a water filter in Breese?

Breese 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Breese's tap water come from?

Breese's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BREESE. The system serves approximately 4,772 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Breese'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. Breese'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 Breese's water compare to other cities in Illinois?

Breese's water quality score of 75/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Breese's water quality?

If you have concerns about Breese'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 (BREESE) 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.

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