Water Quality Reporting
City of Tuscola Water Department - Water Quality Information
Annual Consumer Confidence Reporting
2025 WATER QUALITY REPORT
CITY OF TUSCOLA - PWS ID: IL0415030
214 N. Main, Tuscola, IL 61953 - 217-253-2112 - [email protected] - www.tuscola.org
The water you drink
Annual Water Quality Report for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2025.
This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the City of Tuscola to provide safe drinking water.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPAs Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, USEPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
Sources of water
Tuscola receives water solely from the Champaign Division of Illinois-American Water Company (IAWC). In 1994, a new 750,000- gallon water tower was built replacing the two old smaller towers. At that time a 14” water main was laid from Champaign to Tuscola. Upon completion of the new system, Tuscola began receiving water from IAWC. Subsequently, the old local wells which had supplied the City for years, were capped off as per Division of Mining regulations.
The source of supply for the Champaign District is groundwater. Currently 19 wells deliver water for treatment to two lime softening plants: the Mattis Ave Plant, located in Champaign, and the Bradley Ave Plant, located West of Champaign. The wells are primarily located in the Mahomet Sands Aquifer and supplies both plants. The wells range from 208 to 366 feet in depth and are protected from surface contamination by geologic barriers in the aquifers. This determination is based on several criteria including monitoring conducted at the wells; monitoring conducted at the entry point to the distribution system; and the available hydrogeological data for the wells.
Source Water Assessment
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has completed a source water assessment for the Champaign system and a copy is available upon request. If you would
like a copy of this information, please stop by City Hall or call our water operator at (217) 253-2112. To view a summary version of the completed Source Water Assessments, including Importance of Source Water; Susceptibility to Contamination determination; and the documentation recommendation of Source Water Protection Efforts, you
may access the IEPA website at http://dataservices.epa.illinois.gov/swap/factsheet.aspx or by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline, 800-426-4791.
Information about all drinking water
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring, or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
- Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and residential uses.
- Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
- Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. It has been linked to lung cancer. It is found throughout the U.S. and can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks and holes in a foundation. Radon can build up to high levels in all types of homes, and it can also get into indoor air when released from tap water from showering, washing dishes, and other household activities. Compared to radon entering the home through soil, radon entering the home through tap water will, in most cases, be a small source of radon in indoor air. Illinois American Water has monitored for radon for years. The Lincoln wells and finished water were sampled for radon in 2007. Finished water levels ranged from 140 – 194 pCi/L, with an average of 167 pCi/L. The USEPA is proposing limits on radon in drinking water depending on other steps that are used to reduce radon from other indoor sources. However, under 4,000 pCi/L is generally considered safe. For information on radon in indoor air, call your local health department or the National Radon Hotline at 800-SOS-RADON.
Lead
The City of Tuscola has completed an inventory of lead service lines connected to our system and have not, to date, found any lead service lines. The public can access lead service line inventory information at https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/drinking-water/public-water-users/lead-service-line-information.html.
Consumers can view complete Lead Tap sample data at:
https://water.epa.state.il.us/dww/JSP/AnalyteList.jsp?tinwsys_is_number=716345&tinwsys_st_code=IL
or Contact City Hall at: 217-253-2112
Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially for pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Lead in drinking
water is primarily from materials and parts used in service lines and in home plumbing. The City of Tuscola is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in the plumbing in your home. Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is possible even when your tap sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time. You can help protect yourself and your family by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Using a filter, certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead is effective in reducing lead exposures. Follow the instructions provided with the filter to ensure the filter is used properly. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes. You can do this by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. If you have a lead service line or galvanized requiring replacement service line, you may need to flush your pipes for a longer period. If you are concerned about lead in
your water and wish to have your water tested, contact:
City of Tuscola 217-253-2112. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at: https://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
Important Health Information
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised people such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
Fluoride
Illinois American Water adds fluoride to the Champaign water supply as required by state law. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends a fluoride concentration in drinking water (also called the Optimal Level) of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water. The U.S. EPA limit for fluoride in drinking water is 4.0 mg/L. The U.S. EPA also recommends, as a secondary standard, that drinking water contain no more than 2.0 mg/L of fluoride. This secondary standard is a non-enforceable guideline and is intended to help children avoid dental fluorosis.
Your questions are welcome.
We want our valued customers to be informed about their water quality. If you would like to learn more, please feel welcome to attend any of our regularly scheduled City Council meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 PM.
Notice
A previous IEPA Advisory notice which was related to the detection range of Copper Samples and where the Lead Tap reporting data is accessible to the public, have been amended in this report. The Advisory has not affected the water quality provided by the City of Tuscola and were specifically due to content contained in the report.
2025 Water Quality Summary
How to Read the Following Tables
Both IAWC and Tuscola Water Department conduct extensive monitoring to ensure that your water meets all water quality standards. The results of our monitoring are reported in the data tables. While most monitoring was conducted in 2024, certain substances are monitored less than once per year because the levels do not change frequently. For help with interpreting these tables, see the “Definition of Terms” section and footnotes. Some unregulated substances are measured, but maximum contaminant levels have not been established by the government. These contaminants are shown for your information.
This section provided by IAWC
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This section provided by the City of Tuscola Water Department
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-Footnotes-
Beta/Photon emitters- The MCL for Beta/Photon emitters is written as 4 millirem/year (a measure of rate of radioactive decay). The EPA considers 50 pCi/L as the level of concern for beta emitters.
Chlorine and Chloramines are disinfecting agents added to control microbes that otherwise could cause waterborne diseases or other water quality concerns. Most waste systems in Illinois are required by law to add either chlorine or chloramines. Levels well in excess of the MRDL could cause irritation of the eyes or nose in some people. The value reported reflect multiple locations in the service area.
Fluoride- Fluoride is added to the water supply to help promote strong teeth. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L.
Lead & Copper- Compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is determined by the levels of lead and copper found in samples taken from customers’ taps. LCR requirements are met if the 90th percentile of all samples taken does not exceed the action level of 15 ppb for lead or 1.300 ppm for copper. The “amount detected” reported in the data table refers to the level at the 90th percentile sample.
Sodium- There is no state or federal MCL for sodium. Monitoring is required to provide information to consumers and health officials that are concerned about sodium intake due to dietary precautions. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, you should consult a physician about this level of sodium in the water.
N-Nitroso-Pyrrolidine (NPYR)- A MCL for this substance has not been established by either state or federal regulations, nor has mandatory health effects language. The purpose for monitoring this substance is to assist USEPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water, and whether future regulation is warranted.
Unregulated Contaminants- Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards. A maximum contaminant level (MCL) for this substance has not been established by either state or federal regulations, nor has mandatory health effects language. The purpose for monitoring this substance is to assist USEPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water, and whether future regulation is warranted.
Special Notice for Availability of Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Data
Our water system has sampled for a series of unregulated contaminants. Unregulated contaminants are those that do not yet have a drinking water standard set by EPA. The purpose of monitoring these contaminants is to help EPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. As our customers, you have a right to know that these data are available. If you are interested in examining the results, please contact City of Tuscola at 217-253-2112, email [email protected] or by mail to 214 N Main ST, Tuscola, IL 61953.
This notice is being sent to you by City of Tuscola Water Department. State Water System ID# IL-0415030
-Definition of Terms-
Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant that triggers treatment or other required actions by the water supply.
Treatment Technique or TT: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Level 1 Assessment: A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment: A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Avg: Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based on running annual average of monthly samples.
ppb or ug/l- Parts per billion or micrograms per liter: or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.
ppm or mg/l- Parts per million or milligrams per liter: or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.
Mrem-millirems per year; a measure of radiation absorbed by the body.
pCi/I – Picocuries per liter, Measurement of the natural rate of disintegration of radioactive contaminants in water. (also beta particles)
ND: Not detected.
n/a: Not applicable.
NOTE: Copies are available on our website at www.tuscola.org or to be picked up at Tuscola City Hall, 214 N. Main, Tuscola, IL.
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre el agua que usted bebe. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
Printer Friendly PDF version of the 2025 Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report
Lead Service Line Inventory:
The City of Tuscola Water Department has completed the required lead service line material inventory and found no lead service lines. To access the reported data, visit the Illinois EPA website at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/drinking-water/public-water-users/lead-service-line-information.html
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