WaterVerge

Is Henry, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IL1230050
Overall Score
86.9 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#296 of 891 in Illinois Top 28% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.9/100

Henry, IL — Water Quality Report

Henry's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,230 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 11 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Henry's water

Henry ranks #296 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Henry 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, Henry may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Henry, IL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Henry's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,230 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
5.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Henry

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Henry's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Henry's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 5.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Henry's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2013 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2006 Nitrate Resolved
Mar 2006 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2004 Xylenes, Total Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Marshall County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Illinois River.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4116
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3230
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-735

Where does Henry's water come from?

Henry's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,230 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).

What Henry residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Henry's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Henry'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
3
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
3 Active
3 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
4
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Volatile Organic Chemicals
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2006 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2006
Mar 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2006
Jul 2004 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2004
Oct 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Sep 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Sep 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1993
Mar 1990 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 1996
Jun 1977 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1981
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Henry

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Henry, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MEXICHEM SPECIALTY RESINS INC
Chemicals · MEXICHEM SPECIALTY RESINS INC
HENRY, IL61537
1.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
May 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Marshall County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2013
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4116
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3230
Mar 1985
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #735
Apr 1979
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #583
Jun 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #438

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.1 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,230
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Henry's water comes from

Groundwater

Henry'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 2,230 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Henry

Henry is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Illinois River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Henry

System Name PWSID Population Source
HENRY IL1230050 2,230 GW
Regional Comparison

How Henry compares

Full Illinois rankings →

Henry's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Henry (this city)
86.9
Chicago
35.2
Aurora
45.5
Joliet
38.5
Naperville
81.2
Champaign
91.9
Illinois avg
56
City Profile

About Henry, IL

Wikipedia →

Henry is a city in Marshall County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,320 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$55,643
Median Income
$116,436
Median Home Value
$663/mo
Median Rent
2.3%
Unemployment
Community
43.3
Median Age
531
People / sq mi
18.9%
College Educated
73.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Henry, IL tap water safe to drink?

Henry's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #296 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.

What contaminants are in Henry's water?

Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Henry'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 Henry?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Henry's water come from?

Henry's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,230 residents.

What health violations has Henry's water system had?

Henry 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 Henry's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Henry 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 11 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 Henry's water compare to other cities?

Henry ranks #296 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 67% of state cities) and #4389 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Henry's small water system affect quality?

Henry's system serves approximately 2,230 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 11 violations on record.