C44/100
Macomb Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 25,447 residents · Illinois
What's In Macomb's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
10
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
4
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – September 24, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – September 24, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: June 3, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: January 6, 2024 – January 19, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: 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: October 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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
WEST PRAIRIE WATER CO-OP
Population Served
2,395
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL1090030
MACOMB
Population Served
15,052
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IL1090350
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Population Served
8,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1095510
Frequently Asked Questions About Macomb Water
Is Macomb tap water safe to drink?
Macomb, Illinois tap water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 55 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Macomb's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Macomb's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 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 Macomb have any water quality violations?
Yes, Macomb has 55 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 30 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Macomb?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Macomb 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 Macomb's tap water come from?
Macomb's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by WEST PRAIRIE WATER CO-OP and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 25,447 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Macomb'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. Macomb'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 Macomb's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Macomb's water quality score of 44/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Macomb's water quality?
If you have concerns about Macomb'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 (WEST PRAIRIE WATER CO-OP) 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.