Is Cedarville, 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 ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Cedarville, IL — Water Quality Report
Cedarville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using groundwater.
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 9 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cedarville's water
Cedarville ranks #415 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cedarville 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, Cedarville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cedarville, IL water safe to drink?
Cedarville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cedarville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cedarville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cedarville'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
Cedarville's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stephenson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Pecatonica River.
Where does Cedarville's water come from?
Cedarville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 663 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pecatonica River (river).
What Cedarville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cedarville'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.
Cedarville'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 Cedarville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cedarville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TITAN TIRE CORP OF FREEPORT FREEPORT, IL61032 | Zinc compounds | 15 | 4.0 mi |
BERNER CHEESE CORP DAKOTA, IL61018 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC-PLANT 1 FREEPORT, IL61032 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC-PLANT 4 FREEPORT, IL61032 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
MODERN PLATING CORP FREEPORT, IL61032 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Stephenson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cedarville'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cedarville compares by contaminant
Explore where Cedarville ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cedarville's water comes from
Cedarville'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 663 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cedarville
Cedarville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cedarville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDARVILLE | IL1770050 | 663 | GW |
How Cedarville compares
Full Illinois rankings →Cedarville's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Cedarville, IL
Wikipedia →Cedarville is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, Cedarville had a population of 663. It is the birthplace of social activist Jane Addams, the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cedarville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stephenson
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedarville, IL tap water safe to drink?
Cedarville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #415 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Cedarville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Cedarville'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 Cedarville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cedarville's water come from?
Cedarville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 663 residents.
What health violations has Cedarville's water system had?
Cedarville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cedarville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cedarville 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 9 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 Cedarville's water compare to other cities?
Cedarville ranks #415 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 53% of state cities) and #5997 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cedarville's small water system affect quality?
Cedarville's system serves approximately 663 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 9 violations on record.