Is Amboy, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.3/100
waterverge.com Amboy, IL — Water Quality Report
Amboy's drinking water received a grade of B (78.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,738 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Amboy's water
Amboy ranks #611 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Amboy relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Amboy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Amboy, IL water safe to drink?
Amboy's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (78.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,738 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Amboy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Amboy's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Amboy's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Amboy's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lee County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Amboy's water come from?
Amboy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,738 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Amboy residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Amboy's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Amboy
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Amboy, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 250 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UPM RAFLATAC INC. DIXON, IL61021 | Ammonia | 250 | 9.6 mi |
DONALDSON CO DIXON ILLINOIS DIXON, IL61021 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
AZZ GALVANIZING SERVICES-DIXON DIXON, IL61021 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ALLIED-LOCKE INDUSTRIES INC AMBOY, IL61021 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
RAYNOR MANUFACTURING CORPORATE DRIVE CAMPUS DIXON, IL61021 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lee County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Amboy's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 10.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.500 mg/L (2019)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Amboy compares by contaminant
Explore where Amboy ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Amboy's water comes from
Amboy's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,738 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Amboy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMBOY | IL1030050 | 2,500 | GW |
| THE MEADOWS | IL1030060 | 238 | GWP |
How Amboy compares
Full Illinois rankings →Amboy's score of 78.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Amboy, IL
Wikipedia →Amboy is a city in Lee County, Illinois, United States, along the Green River. As of the 2020 census, Amboy had a population of 2,278.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Amboy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lee
Frequently asked questions
Is Amboy, IL tap water safe to drink?
Amboy's water quality earned a grade of B (78.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #611 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Amboy's water?
Lead was measured at 10.1 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Amboy's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Amboy?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Amboy's water come from?
Amboy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,738 residents.
Is Amboy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Amboy uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 4 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Amboy's water compare to other cities?
Amboy ranks #611 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 31% of state cities) and #8718 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.