B63/100
Clayton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,858 residents · Illinois
What's In Clayton's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.44 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2009.
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
ABS WATER COOP
Population Served
6,858
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL0015350
Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton Water
Is Clayton tap water safe to drink?
Clayton, Illinois tap water receives a grade of B (63/100), which is considered good. Out of 32 contaminants tested, 1 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 Clayton's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Clayton's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Clayton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Clayton has 9 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2009. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Clayton?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Clayton is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Clayton's tap water come from?
Clayton's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by ABS WATER COOP. The system serves approximately 6,858 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Clayton'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. Clayton'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 Clayton's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Clayton's water quality score of 63/100 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 Clayton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Clayton'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 (ABS WATER COOP) 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.