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Water Quality Report

East Alton, IL

Madison County · 5,786 residents · 1 water system

16

Contaminants detected

9

PFAS compounds

355

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

2

Above health guidelines

East Alton drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 16 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, and 12 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in East Alton water. Water hardness is 355 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in East Alton water

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

Lead0.0018 / 0.015 mg/L
12% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0031 / 0.01 mg/L
31% of EPA limit
Copper34 / 1300 ug/L
3% of EPA limit
35% of EPA limit
2% of EPA limit
Selenium0.0019 / 0.05 mg/L
4% of EPA limit
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene6.6 / 70 ug/L
9% of EPA limit
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene2.1 / 100 ug/L
2% of EPA limit
Barium0.23 / 2 mg/L
12% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.26 / 4 mg/L
7% of EPA limit
Phosphorus Total230 ug/L
Unregulated
Pfpea0.0083 ug/L
Unregulated
Pfhxa0.0056 ug/L
Unregulated
Pfhpa0.0038 ug/L
Unregulated
Lithium12 ug/L
Unregulated
PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid)0.016 ug/L
UnregulatedPFAS
PFAS (9 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Madison County

Water quality reports for nearby Illinois communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is East Alton, IL tap water safe to drink?
East Alton 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. 16 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Arsenic, 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 East Alton water?
Monitoring has detected 16 contaminants in East Alton's water supply: Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Selenium, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Barium, Fluoride, Phosphorus Total, Pfpea, Pfhxa, Pfhpa, Lithium, PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid). Additionally, 9 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does East Alton water have PFAS?
Yes. 9 PFAS compounds have been detected in East Alton'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 East Alton water hard?
Yes. East Alton water has a hardness of 355 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 East Alton get its drinking water?
East Alton'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. East Alton is served by one water system: EAST ALTON.

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