Is Milford, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.4/100
waterverge.com Milford, IL — Water Quality Report
Milford's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,559 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.1 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 56 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Milford's water
Milford ranks #751 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Milford 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, Milford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Milford, IL water safe to drink?
Milford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,559 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Milford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milford's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Milford'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
Milford's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iroquois County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Sugar Creek.
Where does Milford's water come from?
Milford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,559 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar Creek (river).
What Milford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Milford'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.
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
Iroquois County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Milford'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. | 5.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Milford compares by contaminant
Explore where Milford ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Milford's water comes from
Milford'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 1,559 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Milford
Milford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Milford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILFORD | IL0750650 | 1,306 | GW |
| WATCH E KEE MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY | IL0755365 | 138 | GW |
| SUGAR CREEK MANUFACTURED HOME COMM., LLC | IL0750910 | 115 | GWP |
How Milford compares
Full Illinois rankings →Milford's score of 68.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Milford, IL
Wikipedia →Milford is a village in Milford Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,158 at the 2020 census. The village's name comes from its location, where the Old Hubbard Trail forded Sugar Creek and where a gristmill stood in 1836.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Milford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iroquois
Frequently asked questions
Is Milford, IL tap water safe to drink?
Milford's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #751 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Milford's water?
Lead was measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Milford'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 Milford?
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 Milford's water come from?
Milford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,559 residents.
What health violations has Milford's water system had?
Milford has 5 health-based violations 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Milford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Milford 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 56 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 Milford's water compare to other cities?
Milford ranks #751 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 16% of state cities) and #11079 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.