C
66

Fair Water Quality

Abingdon, IL 61410

Knox County · Population served: 34,895 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
ABINGDON
Groundwater · Pop. 3,275
PWSID: IL0950050
🌊
GALESBURG
Groundwater · Pop. 31,620
PWSID: IL0950200

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
11.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

10 detected 4 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA85.0 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFBA50.0 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFPeA15.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFOA14.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA10.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFOA9.4 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBS6.6 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFOS4.8 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

4Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Abingdon

Tap water quality in Abingdon, Illinois (61410) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 66 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 8 points below the Illinois state average of 74. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 34,895 people, using groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 4 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals.

Your Score 66/100 C
vs State 8 pts below Illinois avg (74)
vs National 9 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 66/100 indicates fair water quality in Abingdon, IL. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Abingdon, Illinois receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 66/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 61410 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 34,895 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.

Lead was detected at 11.0 ppb in Abingdon, Illinois. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 10 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Abingdon, Illinois, and 4 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Abingdon, Illinois have received 4 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Abingdon, Illinois should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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