A86/100
Olive Branch Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,763 residents · Illinois
What's In Olive Branch's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 29, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – August 12, 2021Enforcement: 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
CENTRAL ALEXANDER CNTY PWD
Population Served
1,763
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL0035100
Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Branch Water
Is Olive Branch tap water safe to drink?
Olive Branch, Illinois tap water receives a grade of A (86/100), 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 Olive Branch's water?
1 contaminants were tested in Olive Branch's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Olive Branch have any water quality violations?
Yes, Olive Branch has 14 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 Olive Branch?
Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch's tap water come from?
Olive Branch's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by CENTRAL ALEXANDER CNTY PWD. The system serves approximately 1,763 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Olive Branch'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. Olive Branch'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 Olive Branch's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Olive Branch's water quality score of 86/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch's water quality?
If you have concerns about Olive Branch'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 (CENTRAL ALEXANDER CNTY PWD) 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.