Tap Water Results

Is Decatur, 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 Decatur Water System.

4 public water systems serve parts of Decatur. The largest, Decatur Water System, serves 76,122 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Decatur Water System

76,122 people · Surface water · EPA ID IL1150150

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: 0 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Full Decatur Water System results

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.

Decatur homes and lead pipes

79%
of homes built before 1980 (Illinois 64%, US 50%)
32%
built before 1950 (Illinois 26%)
37%
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 Decatur city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Decatur

  • Ej Water Cooperative
    29,720 people · Surface water · Illinois · reported ZIPs here
    No PFAS above limits
  • Decatur MHP, LLC
    500 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Decatur Correctional Center Water System
    341 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Springfield 38 mi
Springfield Water System
Springfield Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Champaign 39 mi
Illinois American Water – Champaign
Illinois American Water – ChampaignNone above limits1 ppb
Urbana 43 mi
U of I-Champaign Water System
U of I-Champaign Water SystemNone above limits2.3 ppb
Bloomington 43 mi
Bloomington Water System
Bloomington Water SystemNone above limits2.5 ppb
Normal 46 mi
Normal Water System
Normal Water SystemNone above limits3.7 ppb
Pekin 61 mi
Illinois American Water – Pekin
Illinois American Water – PekinNone above limits1 ppb
Decatur ZIP codes (4)
  • 62521
  • 62522
  • 62523
  • 62526

Questions

Is Decatur tap water safe to drink?

Decatur Water System 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 Decatur, IL?

4 public water systems serve parts of Decatur. The largest is Decatur Water System (76,122 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Decatur tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Decatur Water System had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Decatur homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 79% of Decatur 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. Decatur Water System'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.