Is Cave-In-Rock, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Cave-In-Rock, IL — Water Quality Report
Cave-In-Rock's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,071 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 83 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cave-In-Rock's water
Cave-In-Rock ranks #320 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cave-In-Rock purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Cave-In-Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cave-In-Rock, IL water safe to drink?
Cave-In-Rock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,071 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cave-In-Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cave-In-Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cave-In-Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cave-In-Rock's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardin County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Cave-In-Rock's water come from?
Cave-In-Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,071 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cave-In-Rock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cave-In-Rock's water.
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHardin County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Hardin County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cave-In-Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Cave-In-Rock ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cave-In-Rock's water comes from
Cave-In-Rock purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Cave-In-Rock's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,071 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Cave-In-Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARDIN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT NO.1 | IL0695000 | 843 | GWP |
| CAVE-IN-ROCK | IL0690050 | 228 | GWP |
How Cave-In-Rock compares
Full Illinois rankings →Cave-In-Rock's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Cave-In-Rock, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cave-In-Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardin
Frequently asked questions
Is Cave-In-Rock, IL tap water safe to drink?
Cave-In-Rock's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #320 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Cave-In-Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is Cave-In-Rock'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 Cave-In-Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cave-In-Rock's water come from?
Cave-In-Rock's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,071 residents.
What health violations has Cave-In-Rock's water system had?
Cave-In-Rock has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cave-In-Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cave-In-Rock 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 83 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 Cave-In-Rock's water compare to other cities?
Cave-In-Rock ranks #320 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 64% of state cities) and #4682 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.