A
91

Excellent Water Quality

Tamms, IL 62988

Alexander County · Population served: 2,838 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
SOUTHWATER INC
Groundwater · Pop. 2,185
PWSID: IL0030020
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TAMMS
Groundwater · Pop. 653
PWSID: IL0030100

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

8Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Tamms

Tap water quality in Tamms, Illinois (62988) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 91 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 17 points above the Illinois state average of 74. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 2,838 people, using groundwater sources.

Your Score 91/100 A
vs State 17 pts above Illinois avg (74)
vs National 16 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 91/100 means the water supply in Tamms, IL meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Tamms, Illinois receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 91/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 62988 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 2,838 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.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 62988. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Tamms, Illinois during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Tamms, Illinois have received 8 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.

Water in Tamms, Illinois shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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