A83/100
New Athens Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,970 residents · Illinois
What's In New Athens's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – June 18, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – January 30, 2024Enforcement: 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
NEW ATHENS
Population Served
1,970
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1631050
Frequently Asked Questions About New Athens Water
Is New Athens tap water safe to drink?
New Athens, Illinois tap water receives a grade of A (83/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 1 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in New Athens's water?
1 contaminants were tested in New Athens's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does New Athens have any water quality violations?
Yes, New Athens has 13 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in New Athens?
New Athens 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does New Athens's tap water come from?
New Athens's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by NEW ATHENS. The system serves approximately 1,970 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is New Athens'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. New Athens'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 New Athens's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
New Athens's water quality score of 83/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places New Athens 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 New Athens's water quality?
If you have concerns about New Athens'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 (NEW ATHENS) 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.