WaterVerge

Is Lakemoor, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: IL0970270
Overall Score
80.7 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#543 of 891 in Illinois Top 49% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
80.7/100
waterverge.com
B+ 80.7/100

Lakemoor, IL — Water Quality Report

Lakemoor's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,013 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 67 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Lakemoor's water

Lakemoor ranks #543 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Lakemoor 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, Lakemoor 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
80.7 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.7/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Lakemoor, IL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Lakemoor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,013 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lakemoor

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lakemoor's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.7/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Mercury.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

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

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 Lakemoor's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.50 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Lakemoor's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2023 Mercury Resolved
Jan 2023 Mercury Resolved
Jan 2021 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

McHenry County has experienced 6 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 Channel Lake, Fox Lake, Nippersink Lake, Nippersink Creek, Fox 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-997

Where does Lakemoor's water come from?

Lakemoor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,013 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Channel Lake (lake), Fox Lake (lake), Nippersink Lake (lake), Nippersink Creek (river), Fox River (river).

What Lakemoor residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Monitor alerts during storms

Lakemoor'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.50 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +15% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

67
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

67 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
63 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
31
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Total Coliform Rule
7
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2023 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2021 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jan 2021 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Dec 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Nov 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Simazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Picloram
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Aldicarb sulfone
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Carbofuran
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Aldicarb
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Atrazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
LASSO
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Showing 20 of 67 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lakemoor

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SCOT FORGE CO
Fabricated Metals · SCOT FORGE
SPRING GROVE, IL60081
Nickel97.5 mi
MATHEWS CO
Machinery · NA
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL60012
8.0 mi
AMPAC FLEXIBLES LLC (PREVIOUSLY FLEXICON INC)
Plastics and Rubber · PROAMPAC HOLDINGS INC
CARY, IL60013
9.6 mi
TRUE VALUE MANUFACTURING
Chemicals · TRUE VALUE CO
CARY, IL60013
9.4 mi
G & M MANUFACTURING CORP
Fabricated Metals · NA
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL60014
9.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lakemoor

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
May 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

McHenry County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #997
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #776
Jun 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #438
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #373

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Lakemoor's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.50 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.0 ppb from 1999 (7.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.500 mg/L (2000)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,013
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Lakemoor's water comes from

Groundwater

Lakemoor'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 3,013 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lakemoor

Lakemoor is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Channel Lake
lake
Fox Lake
lake
Nippersink Lake
lake
Nippersink Creek
river
Fox River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lakemoor

System Name PWSID Population Source
LAKEMOOR IL0970270 2,720 GW
PORTS SULLIVAN LAKE OWNERS ASSOCIATION IL0971160 293 GW
Regional Comparison

How Lakemoor compares

Full Illinois rankings →

Lakemoor's score of 80.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Lakemoor (this city)
80.7
Chicago
35.2
Aurora
45.5
Joliet
38.5
Naperville
81.2
Champaign
91.9
Illinois avg
56
City Profile

About Lakemoor, IL

Wikipedia →

Lakemoor is a village in Lake and McHenry counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. Per the 2020 census, the population was 6,182.

Economic Profile
$100,764
Median Income
$239,400
Median Home Value
$1,556/mo
Median Rent
2.5%
Unemployment
Community
37.1
Median Age
446
People / sq mi
39.1%
College Educated
63.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Lakemoor, IL tap water safe to drink?

Lakemoor's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #543 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.

What contaminants are in Lakemoor's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.

How is Lakemoor'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 Lakemoor?

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

Where does Lakemoor's water come from?

Lakemoor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,013 residents.

Is Lakemoor's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Lakemoor 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 Lakemoor's water compare to other cities?

Lakemoor ranks #543 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 39% of state cities) and #7753 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.