A80/100
East Alton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,786 residents · Illinois
What's In East Alton's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.017 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.016 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
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
EAST ALTON
Population Served
5,786
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
IL1190200
Frequently Asked Questions About East Alton Water
Is East Alton tap water safe to drink?
East Alton, Illinois tap water receives a grade of A (80/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 East Alton's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in East Alton's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does East Alton have any water quality violations?
Yes, East Alton has 4 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in East Alton?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in East Alton is recommended. 2 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 East Alton's tap water come from?
East Alton's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by EAST ALTON. The system serves approximately 5,786 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is East Alton'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. East Alton'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 East Alton's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
East Alton's water quality score of 80/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places East Alton 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 East Alton's water quality?
If you have concerns about East Alton'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 (EAST ALTON) 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.