A90/100
Cobden Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,267 residents · Illinois
What's In Cobden's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
COBDEN
Population Served
1,267
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IL1810150
Frequently Asked Questions About Cobden Water
Is Cobden tap water safe to drink?
Cobden, Illinois tap water receives a grade of A (90/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 1 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 Cobden's water?
Of the 1 contaminants tested in Cobden'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 Cobden have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cobden has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include MR, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Cobden?
Cobden 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 Cobden's tap water come from?
Cobden's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by COBDEN. The system serves approximately 1,267 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cobden'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. Cobden'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 Cobden's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Cobden's water quality score of 90/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Cobden among the better-performing water systems in Illinois. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cobden's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cobden'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 (COBDEN) 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.