Tap Water Results

Is Quincy, 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 Quincy Water System. 2 PFAS were detected below the limits.

3 public water systems serve parts of Quincy. The largest, Quincy Water System, serves 42,000 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Quincy Water System

42,000 people · Surface water · EPA ID IL0010650

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: 0.55 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.

Quincy homes and lead pipes

77%
of homes built before 1980 (Illinois 64%, US 50%)
36%
built before 1950 (Illinois 26%)
36%
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 Quincy city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Quincy

  • Abs Water Coop
    7,095 people · Purchased groundwater · Illinois · reported ZIPs here
    No PFAS above limits
  • Mill Creek Public Water District
    5,755 people · Groundwater · Illinois · reported ZIPs here
    Lithium above screening level

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Galesburg 88 mi
Galesburg Water System
Galesburg Water SystemAbove limit0 ppb
Springfield 92 mi
Springfield Water System
Springfield Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Alton 96 mi
Illinois American Water – Alton
Illinois American Water – AltonNone above limits3 ppb
Pekin 103 mi
Illinois American Water – Pekin
Illinois American Water – PekinNone above limits1 ppb
Granite City 106 mi
Illinois American Water – Granite City
Illinois American Water – Granite CityNone above limits6 ppb
Edwardsville 108 mi
Edwardsville Water System
Edwardsville Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Quincy ZIP codes (1)
  • 62301

Questions

Is Quincy tap water safe to drink?

Quincy 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 Quincy, IL?

3 public water systems serve parts of Quincy. The largest is Quincy Water System (42,000 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Quincy tap water have PFAS?

Quincy Water System had 2 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Quincy homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 77% of Quincy 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. Quincy 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.