Water Quality in Springfield, IL: 342 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Springfield's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Springfield, IL carry 342 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality Map: Springfield, IL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Springfield
Water quality varies across Springfield's 38 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62705 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62706 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62708 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62713 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62715 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62716 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62719 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62721 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62722 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62723 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62726 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62736 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62739 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62746 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 62756 | D | 51 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Springfield, Illinois receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Springfield have accumulated 342 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 38 ZIP codes serving approximately 128,012 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Springfield's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Springfield is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 66% of homes built before 1986, Springfield 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
Springfield is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Springfield
Springfield is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 128,012 people across 38 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 380 enforcement actions against water systems serving Springfield. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Springfield
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 Springfield Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Springfield's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 76 | 38 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 38 | 38 | 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 Springfield. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-27 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-02 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-22.
Springfield vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Springfield's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | D | 342 | 5 | 128,012 |
| Edwards | D | 0 | 1 | 137,575 |
| Mossville | D | 0 | 1 | 137,575 |
| Rome | D | 0 | 1 | 137,575 |
Recommended Water Filters for Springfield
Based on contaminants detected in Springfield's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Springfield
Water quality varies across Springfield's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62705 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62706 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62708 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62713 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62715 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62716 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62719 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62721 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62722 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62723 | 51 | D | 9 | 0 |
| 62761 | 58 | C | 9 | 0 |
| 62712 | 58 | C | 9 | 0 |
| 62711 | 58 | C | 9 | 0 |
| 62701 | 58 | C | 9 | 0 |
| 62707 | 53 | D | 9 | 0 |
Common Questions About Springfield Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Springfield, Illinois:
Is Springfield water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Springfield's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Springfield tap water? Springfield's water receives a grade of D (52/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Springfield? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Springfield vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Springfield 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 Springfield.
ZIP Codes in Springfield
Springfield spans 38 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 62701. 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.