Water Quality in Saint Elmo, IL: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Saint Elmo'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
For households in Saint Elmo, IL, the EPA compliance record offers a straightforward finding: 1 water system are on file, zero violations documented across the entire dataset, and no regulatory actions have been taken against any local utility under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in any reporting period covered by available SDWIS data.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Elmo
Water quality varies across Saint Elmo's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62458 | C | 58 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Saint Elmo, Illinois receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Saint Elmo. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Saint Elmo'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across Saint Elmo water systems is 0.0127 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Saint Elmo 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
Saint Elmo is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Saint Elmo
Saint Elmo is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,272 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
How to Check Your Water in Saint Elmo
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
Saint Elmo vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Saint Elmo's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Elmo | C | 0 | 1 | 1,272 |
| Cobden | B | 0 | 1 | 1,267 |
| Janesville | D | 0 | 1 | 1,278 |
| Toledo | B | 0 | 1 | 1,278 |
Common Questions About Saint Elmo Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Saint Elmo, Illinois:
Is Saint Elmo water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Saint Elmo's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Saint Elmo tap water? Saint Elmo's water receives a grade of C (58/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Saint Elmo? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Saint Elmo vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Saint Elmo 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 Saint Elmo.
ZIP Codes in Saint Elmo
Saint Elmo spans 1 ZIP code. 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.