F7/100
St Elmo Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,272 residents · Illinois
What's In St Elmo's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
ST ELMO
Population Served
1,272
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL0510250
Frequently Asked Questions About St Elmo Water
Is St Elmo tap water safe to drink?
St Elmo, Illinois tap water receives a grade of F (7/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 41 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in St Elmo's water?
1 contaminants were tested in St Elmo's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does St Elmo have any water quality violations?
Yes, St Elmo has 41 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include MR, MCL, TT. 13 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in St Elmo?
St Elmo 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 St Elmo's tap water come from?
St Elmo's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by ST ELMO. The system serves approximately 1,272 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is St Elmo'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. St Elmo'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 St Elmo's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
St Elmo's water quality score of 7/100 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 St Elmo's water quality?
If you have concerns about St Elmo'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 (ST ELMO) 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.