Is Grand Ridge, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.6/100
waterverge.com Grand Ridge, IL — Water Quality Report
Grand Ridge's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 515 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 73 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Ridge's water
Grand Ridge ranks #523 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Grand Ridge 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, Grand Ridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Ridge, IL water safe to drink?
Grand Ridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 515 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Ridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Ridge's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grand Ridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grand Ridge's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Grand Ridge's water come from?
Grand Ridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 515 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Illinois River (river), Fox River (river), Vermilion River (river).
What Grand Ridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Ridge'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Grand Ridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grand Ridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS US LLC OTTAWA, IL61350 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 16 | 8.1 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN MARSEILLES, IL61341 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD MARSEILLES TRAINING CENTER RANGES MARSEILLES, IL61341 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
NUCOR TUBULAR PRODUCTS INC. MARSEILLES, IL61341 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
PILKINGTON N.A. OTTAWA, IL61350 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Grand Ridge
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- OTTAWA RADIATION AREAS8.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Grand Ridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Ridge ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Ridge's water comes from
Grand Ridge'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 515 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Grand Ridge
Grand Ridge is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Grand Ridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND RIDGE | IL0990200 | 515 | GW |
How Grand Ridge compares
Full Illinois rankings →Grand Ridge's score of 81.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Grand Ridge, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Ridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lasalle
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Ridge, IL tap water safe to drink?
Grand Ridge's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #523 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Grand Ridge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Grand Ridge'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 Grand Ridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Ridge's water come from?
Grand Ridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 515 residents.
What health violations has Grand Ridge's water system had?
Grand Ridge has 26 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grand Ridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grand Ridge 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 73 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 Grand Ridge's water compare to other cities?
Grand Ridge ranks #523 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 41% of state cities) and #7416 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grand Ridge's small water system affect quality?
Grand Ridge's system serves approximately 515 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 73 violations on record.