Water Quality in Saint Jacob, IL: 6 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 71/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Saint Jacob's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Saint Jacob, IL show 6 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Jacob
Water quality varies across Saint Jacob's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62281 | B | 71 | 6 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Saint Jacob, Illinois receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 71 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Saint Jacob have accumulated 6 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,835 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Saint Jacob's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Saint Jacob is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
Saint Jacob 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 Jacob
Saint Jacob is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,835 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Saint Jacob. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Saint Jacob
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 Saint Jacob Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Saint Jacob's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Saint Jacob. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-24.
Saint Jacob vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Saint Jacob's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Jacob | B | 6 | 1 | 1,835 |
| Bureau | D | 0 | 1 | 1,838 |
| Depue | C | 3 | 1 | 1,838 |
| Jonesboro | D | 2 | 2 | 1,825 |
Common Questions About Saint Jacob Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Saint Jacob, Illinois:
Is Saint Jacob water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Saint Jacob's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Saint Jacob tap water? Saint Jacob's water receives a grade of B (71/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Saint Jacob? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Saint Jacob vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Saint Jacob 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 Jacob.
ZIP Codes in Saint Jacob
Saint Jacob spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 62281. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.