Is Hillcrest, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81/100
waterverge.com Hillcrest, IL — Water Quality Report
Hillcrest's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,224 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 59 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hillcrest's water
Hillcrest ranks #535 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hillcrest 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, Hillcrest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hillcrest, IL water safe to drink?
Hillcrest's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,224 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hillcrest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hillcrest's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hillcrest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hillcrest's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ogle 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.
Where does Hillcrest's water come from?
Hillcrest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,224 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hillcrest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hillcrest'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.
Hillcrest'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 Hillcrest
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hillcrest, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 53 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WHEATLAND TUBE WESTERN TUBE ROCHELLE, IL61068 | Zinc compounds | 53 | 4.9 mi |
SWENSON SPREADER LLC LINDENWOOD, IL61049 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
ROCHELLE FOODS LLC ROCHELLE, IL61068 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
CHS ROCHELLE ROCHELLE, IL61068 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
SILGAN CONTAINERS MANUFACTURING CORP ROCHELLE, IL61068 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ogle 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.
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 Hillcrest compares by contaminant
Explore where Hillcrest ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hillcrest's water comes from
Hillcrest'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 1,224 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hillcrest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HILLCREST | IL1410250 | 1,224 | GW |
How Hillcrest compares
Full Illinois rankings →Hillcrest's score of 81/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Hillcrest, IL
Wikipedia →Rochelle is a city in Ogle and Lee counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,446 at the 2020 census. Rochelle is approximately 80 miles (130 km) west of Chicago and 25 miles (40 km) south of Rockford.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hillcrest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ogle
Frequently asked questions
Is Hillcrest, IL tap water safe to drink?
Hillcrest's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #535 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Hillcrest's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Hillcrest'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 Hillcrest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hillcrest's water come from?
Hillcrest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,224 residents.
What health violations has Hillcrest's water system had?
Hillcrest has 4 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hillcrest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hillcrest 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 59 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 Hillcrest's water compare to other cities?
Hillcrest ranks #535 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 40% of state cities) and #7638 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hillcrest's small water system affect quality?
Hillcrest's system serves approximately 1,224 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 59 violations on record.