Is Lena, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.1/100
waterverge.com Lena, IL — Water Quality Report
Lena's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,460 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 27 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lena's water
Lena ranks #283 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lena 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lena, IL water safe to drink?
Lena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,460 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lena's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lena's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stephenson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Pecatonica River.
Where does Lena's water come from?
Lena's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,460 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pecatonica River (river).
What Lena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lena'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.
Lena'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 Lena
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lena, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TITAN TIRE CORP OF FREEPORT FREEPORT, IL61032 | Zinc compounds | 15 | 7.6 mi |
ADKINS ENERGY LLC LENA, IL61048 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
KOLB LENA CHEESE INC. LENA, IL61048 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
BREWSTER - STOCKTON PLANT STOCKTON, IL61085 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Stephenson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lena'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.620 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lena compares by contaminant
Explore where Lena ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lena's water comes from
Lena'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 3,460 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lena
Lena is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LENA | IL1770300 | 2,680 | GW |
| ORANGEVILLE | IL1770350 | 780 | GW |
How Lena compares
Full Illinois rankings →Lena's score of 87.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Lena, IL
Wikipedia →Lena is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois. The population was 2,772 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stephenson
Frequently asked questions
Is Lena, IL tap water safe to drink?
Lena's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #283 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Lena's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Lena'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 Lena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lena's water come from?
Lena's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,460 residents.
What health violations has Lena's water system had?
Lena has 1 health-based violation 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lena's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lena 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 27 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 Lena's water compare to other cities?
Lena ranks #283 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 68% of state cities) and #4241 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.