Tap Water Results

Is Alton, IL tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Illinois American Water – Alton. 3 PFAS were detected below the limits.

4 public water systems serve parts of Alton. The largest, Illinois American Water – Alton, serves 46,127 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Illinois American Water – Alton

46,127 people · Surface water · EPA ID IL1195150

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 3 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Illinois, 13 of 479 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 18 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Illinois results.

Alton homes and lead pipes

85%
of homes built before 1980 (Illinois 64%, US 50%)
44%
built before 1950 (Illinois 26%)
40%
of households rent (Illinois 33%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Alton city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Alton

  • Fosterburg Public Water District
    7,940 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · reported ZIPs here
    No PFAS above limits
  • Enchanted Village Water System
    720 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Oak Grove MHP – Madison County
    138 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Edwardsville 12 mi
Edwardsville Water System
Edwardsville Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Granite City 12 mi
Illinois American Water – Granite City
Illinois American Water – Granite CityNone above limits6 ppb
O'Fallon 25 mi
O'Fallon Water System
O'Fallon Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Belleville 28 mi
Illinois American Water – Homer Township
Illinois American Water – Homer TownshipNone above limits0 ppb
Springfield 67 mi
Springfield Water System
Springfield Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Decatur 93 mi
Decatur Water System
Decatur Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Alton ZIP codes (1)
  • 62002

Questions

Is Alton tap water safe to drink?

Illinois American Water – Alton has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Alton, IL?

4 public water systems serve parts of Alton. The largest is Illinois American Water – Alton (46,127 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Alton tap water have PFAS?

Illinois American Water – Alton had 3 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Alton homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 85% of Alton homes as built before 1980 (Illinois: 64%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Illinois American Water – Alton's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.