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Water Quality Report

Chester, IL

Randolph County · 8,407 residents · 1 water system

15

Contaminants detected

8

PFAS compounds

130

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

2

Above health guidelines

Chester drinking water comes from surface water. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 15 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, and 11 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Chester water. Water hardness is 130 mg/L (hard), which is within a typical range for the region.

Contaminants detected in Chester water

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

Lead0.0026 / 0.015 mg/L
17% of EPA limit
Nitrate3.2 / 10 mg/L
32% of EPA limit
Copper250 / 1300 ug/L
19% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes21.5 / 80 ug/L
27% of EPA limit
50% of EPA limit
Atrazine0.37 / 3 ug/L
12% of EPA limit
Selenium0.0012 / 0.05 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)0.6 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
PFPeA (Perfluoropentanoic Acid)1.9 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Barium0.0097 / 2 mg/L
0% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.746 / 4 mg/L
19% of EPA limit
Toc4.8 mg/L
Unregulated
Lithium13 ug/L
Unregulated
PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid)6 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Pfpea0.0031 ug/L
Unregulated
PFAS (8 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Randolph County

Water quality reports for nearby Illinois communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chester, IL tap water safe to drink?
Chester tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 2 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 15 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
What contaminants are in Chester water?
Monitoring has detected 15 contaminants in Chester's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Atrazine, Selenium, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), PFPeA (Perfluoropentanoic Acid), Barium, Fluoride, Toc, Lithium, PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid), Pfpea. Additionally, 8 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Chester water have PFAS?
Yes. 8 PFAS compounds have been detected in Chester's water supply at trace levels. PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. The EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for several PFAS compounds. View the detailed report for specific concentrations.
Is Chester water hard?
Yes. Chester water has a hardness of 130 mg/L (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 Chester get its drinking water?
Chester's drinking water comes from surface water sources. The water is treated and tested according to Illinois EPA and EPA requirements before distribution. Chester is served by one water system: CHESTER.

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