B62/100
CHARLESTON — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 17,286 people · Illinois
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
IL0290100
Violations
12
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 1202.82 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: September 1, 2025 – September 8, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
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: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About CHARLESTON
Is CHARLESTON water safe to drink?
CHARLESTON water receives a grade of B (62/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed non-enforceable health goals. The water meets federal safety standards.
What contaminants has CHARLESTON detected?
69 contaminants were tested in CHARLESTON's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does CHARLESTON have any EPA violations?
Yes, CHARLESTON has 12 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 5 are health-based violations.
How many people does CHARLESTON serve?
CHARLESTON serves approximately 17,286 people, Illinois. The system provides water to 1 community: Charleston.
What type of water does CHARLESTON provide?
CHARLESTON sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is IL0290100.
How does CHARLESTON compare to other utilities in Illinois?
CHARLESTON scores 62/100 with a grade of B (good). This is an above-average performance for utilities statewide. Visit our Illinois state page for a full comparison of water systems.