TapSafetyReport
F0/100

Sparta Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 4,395 residents · Illinois

What's In Sparta's Tap Water?

51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 22, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 2, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023 – July 3, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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: April 1, 2023 – June 28, 2023Rule: 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: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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: July 1, 2022 – August 26, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2021 – January 14, 2022Rule: Ground Water 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

SPARTA
Population Served

4,395

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IL1570600

Frequently Asked Questions About Sparta Water

Is Sparta tap water safe to drink?

Sparta, Illinois tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 43 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Sparta's water?

51 contaminants were tested in Sparta's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.

Does Sparta have any water quality violations?

Yes, Sparta has 43 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 21 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Sparta?

Sparta 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 Sparta's tap water come from?

Sparta's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SPARTA. The system serves approximately 4,395 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Sparta'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. Sparta'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 Sparta's water compare to other cities in Illinois?

Sparta's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Sparta's water quality?

If you have concerns about Sparta'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 (SPARTA) 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.

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