Is Hawthorn Woods, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Hawthorn Woods, IL — Water Quality Report
Hawthorn Woods's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 675 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 13.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hawthorn Woods's water
Hawthorn Woods ranks #590 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hawthorn Woods purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Hawthorn Woods may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hawthorn Woods, IL water safe to drink?
Hawthorn Woods's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 675 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hawthorn Woods
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hawthorn Woods's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hawthorn Woods's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Hawthorn Woods's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lake County has experienced 5 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 Mill Creek, Des Plaines River, Buffalo Creek, North Branch Chicago River, Skokie River.
Where does Hawthorn Woods's water come from?
Hawthorn Woods's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 675 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mill Creek (river), Des Plaines River (river), Buffalo Creek (river), North Branch Chicago River (river), Skokie River (river).
What Hawthorn Woods residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hawthorn Woods'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Hawthorn Woods'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 Hawthorn Woods
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hawthorn Woods, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTHFIELD BLOCK CO MUNDELEIN, IL60060 | Lead | 0 | 4.3 mi |
NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY INC ROLLING MEADOWS, IL60008 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
AMPAC FLEXIBLES LLC (PREVIOUSLY FLEXICON INC) CARY, IL60013 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
TRUE VALUE MANUFACTURING CARY, IL60013 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
DUREX INDUSTRIES CARY, IL60013 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hawthorn Woods
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.
- WAUCONDA SAND GRAVEL4.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Lake County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hawthorn Woods'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. | 13.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hawthorn Woods compares by contaminant
Explore where Hawthorn Woods ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hawthorn Woods's water comes from
Hawthorn Woods 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 Hawthorn Woods'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 675 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hawthorn Woods
Hawthorn Woods is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hawthorn Woods
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE COUNTY PW- HAWTHORN WOODS | IL0970450 | 675 | GWP |
How Hawthorn Woods compares
Full Illinois rankings →Hawthorn Woods's score of 79.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Hawthorn Woods, IL
Wikipedia →Libertyville is a village in Libertyville Township, Lake County, Illinois, United States. It is located 5 miles (8 km) west of Lake Michigan, approximately 40 miles north of the Chicago Loop. As such, it is part of the United States Census Bureau's Chicago combined statistical area (CSA). It is bordered by Gages Lake and Gurnee to the north, Vernon Hills to the south, Mundelein to the west, and Grayslake to the northwest. The eastern portions of the village border Mettawa, unincorporated Waukegan and Lake Forest, and part of Knollwood CDP. Its 2020 census population was 20,579.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hawthorn Woods's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawthorn Woods, IL tap water safe to drink?
Hawthorn Woods's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #590 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Hawthorn Woods's water?
Lead was measured at 13.8 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Hawthorn Woods'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 Hawthorn Woods?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hawthorn Woods's water come from?
Hawthorn Woods's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 675 residents.
What health violations has Hawthorn Woods's water system had?
Hawthorn Woods has 3 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hawthorn Woods's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hawthorn Woods 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 8 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 Hawthorn Woods's water compare to other cities?
Hawthorn Woods ranks #590 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 34% of state cities) and #8397 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hawthorn Woods's small water system affect quality?
Hawthorn Woods's system serves approximately 675 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 8 violations on record.