BROWNSTOWN, Illinois Tap Water Quality

6,348 people served · 2 water systems

Poor

BROWNSTOWN, Illinois is a small town with 6,348 residents served by 2 public water systems. Water service covers ZIP code 62418.

BROWNSTOWN has a notable pattern of EPA health-based violations across multiple compliance periods. Filtered water is a reasonable precaution while the utility implements long-term corrective action.

EPA reporting identifies Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) among the regulated contaminants associated with BROWNSTOWN's recent health-based violations. Each contaminant has different sources, health implications, and recommended mitigation steps — links to the full EPA reference for each are listed alongside the violation history below.

Last updated: 2026-05-18 · Source: EPA SDWIS

Location

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Centered on ZIP-code centroids of water systems serving this city.

ZIP Codes Served

62418

Health-Based Violations (Last 5 Years)

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level exceedances reported by water systems serving BROWNSTOWN. Each entry explains the contaminant, the health risk, and recommended precautions, and links to a full guide.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)disinfectant

EPA Code 2456 · Maximum Contaminant Level Exceedance

violations

EPA Limit

0.06 mg/L

Last Reading

.066 MG/L

First Reported

Oct 2025

Most Recent

Oct 2025

What this violation means

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) are the second major group of disinfection byproducts after TTHMs. They form by the same mechanism — chlorine reacting with organic matter — and pose similar long-term cancer risks. Utilities are required to test quarterly at distribution-system locations to track HAA5 levels.

Recommended precautions

→Activated carbon filtration removes most HAA5.
→Reverse osmosis is highly effective.
→Unlike TTHMs, HAA5 do not significantly off-gas. Use treatment rather than aeration.
→Long-term ingestion is the primary concern, not short-term skin contact.

Read the complete guide to Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)disinfectant

EPA Code 2950 · Maximum Contaminant Level Exceedance

violations

EPA Limit

0.08 mg/L

Last Reading

.081 MG/L

First Reported

Jan 2023

Most Recent

Jan 2023

What this violation means

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter — leaves, soil, algae — in source water. They are among the most commonly reported violations because utilities pulling from surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) struggle to balance disinfection with byproduct formation. Long-term exposure has been linked to bladder cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Recommended precautions

→Activated carbon filters (pitcher, faucet, or under-sink) effectively reduce TTHMs.
→Letting water sit uncovered allows TTHMs to off-gas — leave a pitcher in the fridge for several hours.
→Shower with the bathroom fan on; TTHMs can volatilize into the air during hot showers.
→Boiling reduces TTHMs through volatilization, but only after extended boiling.

Read the complete guide to Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Health-based violations only. Older violations may have been resolved; check your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report for current status.

Water Systems Serving BROWNSTOWN

FAYETTE WATER COMPANY

PWSID: IL0510010

5,608 served

3 violations

BROWNSTOWN

PWSID: IL0510100

740 served

7 violations

What Can You Do?

✅ Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — required by law.
✅ Use an NSF-certified water filter if violations involve lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
✅ Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing (reduces lead).
✅ Check back monthly — we update data from the EPA every 30 days.

About this data

This overview reflects EPA SDWIS data published as of 2026-05-18. It covers active Community Water Systems (CWS) that exceeded federal Maximum Contaminant Levels during the past five-year EPA reporting window. For up-to-the-minute information, request a current Consumer Confidence Report from your utility, or review the EPA's public dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BROWNSTOWN, Illinois tap water safe to drink?▼

This city's water had significant EPA violations in the last 5 years.

How many EPA violations does BROWNSTOWN have?▼

BROWNSTOWN has 10 EPA health-based water violations in the last 5 years across 2 water systems serving 6,348 people.

What contaminants have been found in BROWNSTOWN water?▼

The following EPA-regulated contaminants have been detected: 2456, 2950. View details about each contaminant, health effects, and recommended precautions above in the violations table.

Should I use a water filter in BROWNSTOWN?▼

Using an NSF-certified water filter is recommended if your area has violations involving lead, arsenic, or PFAS. For other contaminants, consult your local water utility. Check the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for detailed guidance.

What should I do if there are violations in BROWNSTOWN?▼

Request your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is required by the EPA. Follow the utility's guidance on boil water advisories. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing. Use an NSF-certified filter if needed based on your water system's violations.