F0/100
Colchester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,395 residents · Illinois
What's In Colchester's Tap Water?
4
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 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
COLCHESTER
Population Served
1,395
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1090200
Frequently Asked Questions About Colchester Water
Is Colchester tap water safe to drink?
Colchester, Illinois tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 30 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Colchester's water?
Of the 4 contaminants tested in Colchester'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 Colchester have any water quality violations?
Yes, Colchester has 30 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2009. Violation types include MR, TT, Other. 23 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Colchester?
Colchester 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 Colchester's tap water come from?
Colchester's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by COLCHESTER. The system serves approximately 1,395 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Colchester'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. Colchester'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 Colchester's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Colchester's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Colchester's water quality?
If you have concerns about Colchester'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 (COLCHESTER) 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.