Is Kingston, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
69/100
waterverge.com Kingston, IL — Water Quality Report
Kingston's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,280 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 33 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kingston's water
Kingston ranks #747 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Kingston 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.
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, Kingston 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 Kingston, IL water safe to drink?
Kingston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,280 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kingston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kingston's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kingston'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Kingston's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
DeKalb County has experienced 4 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 South Branch Kishwaukee River Nr Fairdale.
Where does Kingston's water come from?
Kingston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,280 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Kishwaukee River Nr Fairdale (river).
What Kingston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kingston'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.
Kingston'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
Flood & disaster history
DeKalb County has experienced 4 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 Kingston'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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kingston compares by contaminant
Explore where Kingston ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kingston's water comes from
Kingston'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 1,280 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Kingston
Kingston is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kingston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KINGSTON | IL0370250 | 1,160 | GW |
| VALLEY VIEW SUBDIVISION (DEKALB) | IL0375200 | 120 | GW |
How Kingston compares
Full Illinois rankings →Kingston's score of 69/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Kingston, IL
Wikipedia →Kingston is a village in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,108 at the 2020 census, down from 1,164 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kingston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dekalb
Frequently asked questions
Is Kingston, IL tap water safe to drink?
Kingston's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #747 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Kingston's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Kingston'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 Kingston?
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 Kingston's water come from?
Kingston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,280 residents.
What health violations has Kingston's water system had?
Kingston has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kingston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kingston 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 33 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 Kingston's water compare to other cities?
Kingston ranks #747 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 16% of state cities) and #10997 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.