Is Lake Barrington, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.1/100
waterverge.com Lake Barrington, IL — Water Quality Report
Lake Barrington's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.0 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 67 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Barrington's water
Lake Barrington ranks #728 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lake Barrington 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, Lake Barrington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Barrington, IL water safe to drink?
Lake Barrington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Barrington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Barrington's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Lake Barrington'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
Lake Barrington's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were 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 Boone Creek, Fox River, Fox River (Tailwater), Flint Creek.
Where does Lake Barrington's water come from?
Lake Barrington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boone Creek (river), Fox River (river), Fox River (Tailwater) (river), Flint Creek (river).
What Lake Barrington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Barrington'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.
Lake Barrington'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 Lake Barrington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Barrington, 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 | 9.8 mi |
MATHEWS CO CRYSTAL LAKE, IL60012 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
AMPAC FLEXIBLES LLC (PREVIOUSLY FLEXICON INC) CARY, IL60013 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
TRUE VALUE MANUFACTURING CARY, IL60013 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
G & M MANUFACTURING CORP CRYSTAL LAKE, IL60014 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lake Barrington
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 GRAVEL5.2 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 Lake Barrington'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. | 15.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Barrington compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Barrington ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Barrington's water comes from
Lake Barrington'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,800 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake Barrington
Lake Barrington is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Barrington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE BARRINGTON SHORES SUBDIVSION | IL0975520 | 2,300 | GW |
| LAKE BARRINGTON | IL0971080 | 500 | GW |
How Lake Barrington compares
Full Illinois rankings →Lake Barrington's score of 71.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Lake Barrington, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Barrington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Barrington, IL tap water safe to drink?
Lake Barrington's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #728 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Lake Barrington's water?
Lead was measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Lake Barrington'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 Lake Barrington?
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 Lake Barrington's water come from?
Lake Barrington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,800 residents.
What health violations has Lake Barrington's water system had?
Lake Barrington has 5 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Barrington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Barrington 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 67 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 Lake Barrington's water compare to other cities?
Lake Barrington ranks #728 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 18% of state cities) and #10615 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.