Is Cambridge, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.7/100
waterverge.com Cambridge, IL — Water Quality Report
Cambridge's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,086 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 16 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cambridge's water
Cambridge ranks #255 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cambridge 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.
As a small community water system, Cambridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cambridge, IL water safe to drink?
Cambridge's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,086 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cambridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cambridge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cambridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cambridge's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Henry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,086 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cambridge 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.
Cambridge'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
Flood & disaster history
Henry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cambridge'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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2000)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cambridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Cambridge ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cambridge's water comes from
Cambridge'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 2,086 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cambridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMBRIDGE | IL0730300 | 2,086 | GW |
How Cambridge compares
Full Illinois rankings →Cambridge's score of 87.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Cambridge, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cambridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henry
Frequently asked questions
Is Cambridge, IL tap water safe to drink?
Cambridge's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #255 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Cambridge's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Cambridge'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 Cambridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,086 residents.
What health violations has Cambridge's water system had?
Cambridge has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cambridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cambridge 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 16 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 Cambridge's water compare to other cities?
Cambridge ranks #255 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 71% of state cities) and #3884 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cambridge's small water system affect quality?
Cambridge's system serves approximately 2,086 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 16 violations on record.