Water Quality in Clay City, IL: 3 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 69/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Clay City's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Clay City, IL has 3 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Clay City
Water quality varies across Clay City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62824 | C | 69 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Clay City, Illinois receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 69 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Clay City have accumulated 3 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 957 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Clay City's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Clay City is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Clay City has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Clay City is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Clay City
Clay City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 957 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Clay City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Clay City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Clay City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Clay City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Clay City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-08-08 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-02.
Clay City vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Clay City's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clay City | C | 3 | 1 | 957 |
| Sailor Springs | D | 0 | 1 | 957 |
| Atkinson | C | 4 | 1 | 955 |
| Mendon | B | 0 | 1 | 953 |
Common Questions About Clay City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Clay City, Illinois:
Is Clay City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Clay City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Clay City tap water? Clay City's water receives a grade of C (69/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Clay City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Clay City vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Clay City compares to the broader Illinois average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Clay City.
ZIP Codes in Clay City
Clay City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 62824. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.