Is Galesburg Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Short answer: In the records we hold for Galesburg, two PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, each had a sample above a 2024 EPA limit (not a violation: the limits are judged on a yearly average, due 2029). 2 more are detected with no federal limit, and everything else measured is within its reference or not detected. 5 substances were detected and 26 were tested and not detected. The water is from Galesburg, serving 31,620 residents.
- Year 2026
- Utility Galesburg
- Coverage 31 records
- Updated 2026-10-15
Where Galesburg’s water comes from
- Utility
- Galesburg
- Water system
- GALESBURG · IL0950200
- Source water
- Groundwater
- Disinfectant
- not on record
- Population served
- 31,620
- Reporting period
- Sampled 2023–2028
- Monitoring coverage
- 31 records · 3 of 4 groups measured
EPA lists this system for the city. Your water bill or annual water quality report names your actual supplier. Source: EPA SDWIS 2026Q2.
- GALESBURGThis reportIL0950200 · 31,620 served
- 1Source
Groundwater
- 2Treatment
The treatment details are not on record.
- 3Distribution
Mains, then your building’s service line.
- 4Your tap
Plumbing inside the building is outside this record.
Galesburg water in four numbers
Two PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, each had a sample above a 2024 EPA limit (not a violation: the limits are judged on a yearly average, due 2029); 2 more are detected with no federal limit, and everything else measured is within its reference or not detected.
5 detected results, by distance from their limit
Each bar runs to the named reference; the tick marks it. Open a row for five layers: measured, compared, meaning, where it matters, what to do.Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)Above EPA's 2024 limit (one sample) · Federal MCL4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)14ng/L
14 ng/L, sampled 2023-02-27 to 2023-08-24. EPA UCMR 5.
4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024): a legal limit. That limit is judged on a yearly average, and water systems have until 2029 to meet it, so a single sample is not a violation. EPA health goal (MCLG): 0.
One EPA sample measured 14 ng/L, above the 4 ng/L limit EPA set in 2024. That limit is judged on a yearly average, and water systems have until 2029 to meet it, so a single sample is not a violation.
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (PFOA/PFOS)).
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)Above EPA's 2024 limit (one sample) · Federal MCL4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)4.2ng/L
4.2 ng/L, sampled 2023-02-27 to 2023-08-24. EPA UCMR 5.
4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024): a legal limit. That limit is judged on a yearly average, and water systems have until 2029 to meet it, so a single sample is not a violation. EPA health goal (MCLG): 0.
One EPA sample measured 4.2 ng/L, above the 4 ng/L limit EPA set in 2024. That limit is judged on a yearly average, and water systems have until 2029 to meet it, so a single sample is not a violation.
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (PFOA/PFOS)).
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)Within reference · Screening level2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)6.6ng/L
6.6 ng/L, sampled 2023-02-27 to 2023-08-24. EPA UCMR 5.
2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit).
Detected at up to 6.6 ng/L (below the 2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory; a screening level, not a legal limit).
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFBS named on the listing).
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)Detected · no limit · No federal limitNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency85ng/L
85 ng/L, sampled 2023-02-27 to 2023-08-24. EPA UCMR 5.
No federal limit is on record for it.
Detected at up to 85 ng/L. No federal or state limit exists for this substance; shown for transparency, not graded.
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFBA named on the listing).
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)Detected · no limit · No federal limitNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency15ng/L
15 ng/L, sampled 2023-02-27 to 2023-08-24. EPA UCMR 5.
No federal limit is on record for it.
Detected at up to 15 ng/L. No federal or state limit exists for this substance; shown for transparency, not graded.
Comes with the source water; home plumbing does not add it.
Test your own tap first. To reduce it: Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFPeA named on the listing).
26 others tested, none detectedshow
- 11Cl-PF3OUdS
- 8:2 FTS
- 4:2 FTS
- 6:2 FTS
- ADONA
- 9Cl-PF3ONS
- HFPO-DA (GenX)
- Lead (90th percentile)
- Lithium
- NEtFOSAA
- NMeFOSAA
- NFDHA
- PFEESA
- PFMPA
- PFMBA
- PFDA
- PFDoA
- PFHpS
- PFHpA
- PFHxS
- PFHxA
- PFNA
- PFPeS
- PFTA
- PFTrDA
- PFUnA
GALESBURG (EPA PWSID IL0950200) delivers groundwater to 31,620 residents. This report reflects 29 individual PFAS result(s) from the source UCMR5 observations and the latest Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile result. Water hardness and disinfectant type are pending the utility's own annual report.
0health-based violations in the last 10 years
From EPA SDWIS. A clean violation history means no enforcement action was recorded; it does not cover contaminants without a limit.
No result is not a pass. Your utility's annual water quality report may list them, and a certified lab test covers your own tap.
Your tap can differ from the city record
The record describes water leaving treatment and samples across the system. Pipes, solder and fixtures inside a building can add lead the record can’t see, especially in older buildings with lead service lines.
Test your water- CityTreated water
Measured in this report
- MainsDistribution network
Sampled across the system
- BuildingService line and plumbing
Not in this record
- TapYour glass
Only a tap test measures it
Water testing in Galesburg, IL
- 01Test
Know what comes from your tap, starting with a first-draw lead sample.
- 02Match
Compare each result with its named reference in our test reader.
- 03Treat
Choose a technology certified for what your test found.
How to test your tap water at home →
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency certifies the labs that test drinking water in Illinois. Find a certified lab in Illinois ↗ · What lab tests cost →
What can reduce what was found here
Finding → technology → certification → product, in that order. The reference type carries the meaning; there is no severity score.| Finding | Reference type | Technology | Certification to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)14 ng/L | Federal MCL | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (PFOA/PFOS) |
| Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)4.2 ng/L | Federal MCL | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (PFOA/PFOS) |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)6.6 ng/L | Screening level | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFBS named on the listing |
| Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)85 ng/L | No federal limit | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFBA named on the listing |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)15 ng/L | No federal limit | Reverse osmosis, or carbon certified for PFAS | NSF/ANSI 53 or 58, with PFPeA named on the listing |
Filters for the PFAS found in Galesburg water
Affiliate linksPurityMap earns a commission from these links. "Best choice" and "Budget pick" go to certified products first; commission never decides them. As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure★ Best choice: Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage Under-Sink Filter (AQ-5200), certified for PFOA and PFOS.
| Pick | Product | Details and price | Certification | Why it’s listed | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Best choice | Under-sinkAquasana Claryum 2-Stage Under-Sink Filter (AQ-5200) | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price on Amazon |
| Also good | Under-sinkAquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M) | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
| Also good | CountertopAquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2) | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
See all 12 drinking-water options for PFAS
| Pick | Product | Details and price | Certification | Why it’s listed | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Also good | Reverse osmosisSmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis | TreatsPFOA and PFOSTechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53 (includes P473), WQA) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
| Also good | Under-sinkWaterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, IAPMO) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price at Waterdrop |
| Also good | Under-sinkWaterdrop G3P800 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, IAPMO) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price at Waterdrop |
| Also good | CountertopAquaTru Carafe Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT100) | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, IAPMO) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price on Amazon |
| Also good | CountertopAquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000) | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, IAPMO) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price on Amazon |
| Also good | CountertopPatriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration System | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, NSF, IAPMO) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price on Amazon |
| Also good | Reverse osmosisiSpring RCC7AK Alkaline Reverse Osmosis SystemUse code REFISPRING at checkout: 10% off your first iSpring order. | TechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$ | Brand lab-tested for PFAS, not independently certified for PFOA, PFOS, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at iSpring |
| Also good | Reverse osmosisiSpring RO5004F Tankless Reverse Osmosis System with UVUse code REFISPRING at checkout: 10% off your first iSpring order. | TechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$$ | Brand lab-tested for PFAS, not independently certified for PFOA, PFOS, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at iSpring |
| Also good | Reverse osmosisWaterdrop X12 Reverse Osmosis System | TechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$$$ | Brand lab-tested for PFAS, not independently certified for PFOA, PFOS, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at Waterdrop |
★ Best choice: HealthShield™, certified for PFOA and PFOS.
| Pick | Product | Details and price | Certification | Why it’s listed | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Best choice | Whole-houseHealthShield™ | TreatsPFOA and PFOSPrice$$$$ | Certified for PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA) | Why it’s listed: its current certification names PFOA and PFOS, found in Galesburg’s record.See the evidence | Check price at Aquasana |
| $ Budget pick | Whole-houseiSpring WGB32B-PFKS PFAS & Heavy Metals Whole House FilterUse code REFISPRING at checkout: 10% off your first iSpring order. | Price$$$ | Brand lab-tested for PFAS, not independently certified for PFOA, PFOS, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | See the evidence | Check price at iSpring |
PurityMap earns a commission from these links. "Best choice" and "Budget pick" go to certified products first; commission never decides them. As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
Choose your situation
Older buildings may have lead service lines, solder or fixtures. Lead is not in Galesburg’s published record, so only a tap test tells you. Test first-draw water, then filter if needed.
5 of 29 PFAS tested were detected in Galesburg’s record (PFOA 14 ng/L, PFOS 4.2 ng/L and PFBS 6.6 ng/L, and more); 2 above their limit. If PFAS matters to you, a filter certification names each compound it covers.
Most utilities keep chlorine or chloramine in the pipes. A carbon filter certified for taste and odor reduces either; your utility can tell you which it uses.
Your utility’s annual water quality report usually lists hardness; a test strip also measures it.
Reverse osmosis reduces many dissolved contaminants, including lead and minerals, at a single faucet, with some water sent to drain.
Galesburg tap water FAQ
Get one email when Galesburg’s record changes.
One email when a new sampling round is published, a result moves above or below its reference, or the system's score changes.Is Galesburg tap water safe to drink?
PurityMap does not give a safe/unsafe verdict; it shows what the public records measured. For Galesburg, PFOA 14 ng/L and PFOS 4.2 ng/L were measured in one EPA sample each, above the 4 ng/L limit EPA set in 2024 (not a violation: the limits are judged on a yearly average, due 2029). GALESBURG (PWSID IL0950200) has a Purity Score of 57/100 (confidence: moderate), assessed at the water-system level and computed only from contaminants that were measured. Water can change in your own pipes, so a certified test is the only way to know what comes out of your tap. What we found →
Who provides tap water in Galesburg?
GALESBURG (PWS ID IL0950200) is the public water system on record for Galesburg, Illinois, serving about 31,620 people. Confirm the utility on your water bill before acting on a specific finding. Water utility →
Where does Galesburg get its drinking water?
Groundwater (primary source of record in EPA SDWIS). Water utility →
Are PFAS "forever chemicals" in Galesburg's water?
Yes. In EPA's UCMR 5 testing (2023-02-27 to 2023-08-24), PFOA was measured at 14 ng/L in one EPA sample, above the 4 ng/L limit EPA set in 2024 and PFOS was measured at 4.2 ng/L in one EPA sample, above the 4 ng/L limit EPA set in 2024. EPA's 2024 limits are judged on a yearly average, and water systems have until 2029 to meet them, so a single sample is not a violation. PFBS (6.6 ng/L, below the 2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory) was also detected. PFBA (85 ng/L) and PFPeA (15 ng/L) were also detected; they have no federal or state limit. Reverse osmosis and filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA/PFOS reduce them at the tap. What we found →
Is there lead in Galesburg's tap water?
Lead is not in Galesburg's current published record. Lead usually enters from a building's own pipes and fixtures, so a certified home test is the way to know yours. Your household →
What does the latest Galesburg water report show?
PurityMap's current record for Galesburg holds 31 findings: 2 above a reference, 1 detected within the reference, 2 detected with no limit and 26 not detected. Each finding links to its dated public record; a parameter that was never monitored is shown as pending, not as a pass. Records →
31 records, each traceable
- EPA UCMR 5
- EPA SDWIS (Lead & Copper Rule)
UCMR5 Analytical Results
UCMR5 Analytical Results: GALESBURG (IL0950200)
US EPA
State SDWIS Compliance Record
Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: GALESBURG (IL0950200)
US EPA SDWIS
Methodology: how we analyze water. Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the PurityMap Editorial Team before publication.
How PurityMap reads Galesburg’s water
- 01Source data
EPA SDWIS, EPA UCMR 5 and utility reports, each dated and linked.
- 02Normalize
Units converted to one basis; a non-detect kept distinct from zero.
- 03Classify
Each result tagged by reference type: MCL, action level, screening level or aesthetic.
- 04Compare to the named reference
Every value sits against its own reference, never a blended one.
- 05Score
Measured subjects summarised at the water-system level; an open health-based violation caps the score.
- 06Match treatment
Treatment is matched to what was found; a product is called certified only when its current certification names it.
What the Purity Score means: a summary of this water system’s published record, capped while a health-based violation is open. It is not a test of any tap. GALESBURG · PWSID IL0950200 · Purity Score 57/100 (Fair) · Confidence: moderate · Assessed at the water-system level
Full methodology →Something off with your water's smell, color or taste?
Start with the hot-or-cold tap check. Where Galesburg reported something related, it's shown below.
- Rotten-egg smell
- Cloudy or milky water
- Chlorine smell
- Brown or yellow water
- Metallic taste
Lead at Galesburg: not detected (90th percentile, 2026–2028 monitoring period (still open)). Lead has no taste, so a taste neither shows nor rules it out.