Is Essex, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.8/100
waterverge.com Essex, IL — Water Quality Report
Essex's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using surface 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 30 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Essex's water
Essex ranks #693 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 37.9 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Essex may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Essex, IL water safe to drink?
Essex's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (73.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Essex
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Essex's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Atrazine, TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-373). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Essex's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Essex's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kankakee County has experienced 2 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. Local water sources include Kankakee River.
Where does Essex's water come from?
Essex's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Kankakee River (river).
What Essex 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.
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 Essex
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Essex, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONICS MATERIAL US - WILMINGTON IL WILMINGTON, IL60481 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Kankakee County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Essex compares by contaminant
Explore where Essex ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Essex's water comes from
Essex's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Essex
Essex is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Essex
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE SHANNON | IL0910020 | 500 | SW |
How Essex compares
Full Illinois rankings →Essex's score of 73.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Essex, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Essex's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kankakee
Frequently asked questions
Is Essex, IL tap water safe to drink?
Essex's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #693 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Essex's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Essex'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 Essex?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Essex's water come from?
Essex's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has Essex's water system had?
Essex has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Essex's water compare to other cities?
Essex ranks #693 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 22% of state cities) and #10026 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Essex's small water system affect quality?
Essex's system serves approximately 500 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 30 violations on record.