Is Kirkland, 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 ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Kirkland, IL — Water Quality Report
Kirkland's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kirkland's water
Kirkland ranks #189 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Kirkland 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, Kirkland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kirkland, IL water safe to drink?
Kirkland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kirkland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kirkland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kirkland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kirkland's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
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, Kishwaukee River.
Where does Kirkland's water come from?
Kirkland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 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), Kishwaukee River (river).
What Kirkland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kirkland'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.
Kirkland'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 Kirkland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kirkland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
J6 POLYMERS GENOA, IL60135 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
EUCLID CHEMICAL CO KIRKLAND, IL60146 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
US CHROME CORP OF IL KINGSTON, IL60145 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
CMC REBAR - BELVIDERE BELVIDERE, IL61008 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
SWENSON SPREADER LLC LINDENWOOD, IL61049 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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 Kirkland compares by contaminant
Explore where Kirkland ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kirkland's water comes from
Kirkland'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 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kirkland
Kirkland is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kirkland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIRKLAND | IL0370300 | 2,000 | GW |
How Kirkland compares
Full Illinois rankings →Kirkland's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Kirkland, IL
Wikipedia →Kirkland is a village in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,650 at the 2020 census, down from 1,744 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kirkland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dekalb
Frequently asked questions
Is Kirkland, IL tap water safe to drink?
Kirkland's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #189 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Kirkland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Kirkland'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 Kirkland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kirkland's water come from?
Kirkland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Kirkland's water system had?
Kirkland has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2007. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kirkland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kirkland 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 5 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 Kirkland's water compare to other cities?
Kirkland ranks #189 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 79% of state cities) and #2975 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kirkland's small water system affect quality?
Kirkland's system serves approximately 2,000 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 5 violations on record.