B64/100
Marion Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 35,977 residents · Illinois
What's In Marion's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 759.09 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
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
MARION
Population Served
16,855
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1990550
FERGES WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
1,185
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1995050
HIGHWAY 37 NORTH PWD
Population Served
1,065
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1995100
LAKE OF EGYPT PWD
Population Served
11,368
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IL1995200
FCI-MARION
Population Served
1,544
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1995247
COAL VALLEY PWD
Population Served
3,960
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1995250
Frequently Asked Questions About Marion Water
Is Marion tap water safe to drink?
Marion, Illinois tap water receives a grade of B (64/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none 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 Marion's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Marion's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Marion have any water quality violations?
Yes, Marion has 127 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, RPT, MR. 25 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Marion?
Marion 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Marion's tap water come from?
Marion's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by MARION and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 35,977 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Marion'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. Marion'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 Marion's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Marion's water quality score of 64/100 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 Marion's water quality?
If you have concerns about Marion'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 (MARION) 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.