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Water Quality Report

Carthage, IL

Hancock County · 2,510 residents · 1 water system

12

Contaminants detected

0

PFAS compounds

839

Hardness (mg/L)

1

Above legal limits

2

Above health guidelines

Carthage drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 12 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, and 8 others. Water hardness is 839 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Carthage water

Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.

Lead0 / 0.015 mg/L
0% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0016 / 0.01 mg/L
16% of EPA limit
Copper19 / 1300 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Radium5.2 / 5 pCi/L
105% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes18.6 / 80 ug/L
23% of EPA limit
4% of EPA limit
Nickel0.0216 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Selenium0.0043 / 0.05 mg/L
9% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.74 / 4 mg/L
19% of EPA limit
Barium0.011 / 2 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Chromium (total)0.00071 / 0.1 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Toluene0.28 / 1000 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Hancock County

Water quality reports for nearby Illinois communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Carthage, IL tap water safe to drink?
Carthage tap water has 1 contaminant currently measured above EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels), and 2 above independent health guidelines. 12 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Total Trihalomethanes. View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels, how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines, and what actions to take.
What contaminants are in Carthage water?
Monitoring has detected 12 contaminants in Carthage's water supply: Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Selenium, Fluoride, Barium, Chromium (total), Toluene. 1 of these are above EPA legal limits. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Is Carthage water hard?
Yes. Carthage water has a hardness of 839 mg/L (very hard). Hard water is not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in water heaters and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave mineral deposits. Water softeners or conditioning systems can address hardness.
Where does Carthage get its drinking water?
Carthage's drinking water comes from groundwater wells that draw from underground aquifers. The water is treated and tested according to Illinois EPA and EPA requirements before distribution. Carthage is served by one water system: CARTHAGE.

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