Is North Utica, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com North Utica, IL — Water Quality Report
North Utica's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 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 55 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Utica's water
North Utica ranks #666 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
North Utica 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, North Utica 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Utica, IL water safe to drink?
North Utica's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Utica
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Utica's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Utica's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Utica's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does North Utica's water come from?
North Utica's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Illinois River (river), Vermilion River (river).
What North Utica residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Utica'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.
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 North Utica
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North Utica, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,020 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARUS LLC LASALLE SITE LA SALLE, IL61301 | Barium | 997 | 3.7 mi |
ILLINOIS CEMENT CO LA SALLE, IL61301 | Manganese | 16 | 3.6 mi |
AMERICAN NICKELOID CO PERU, IL61354 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 6 | 6.8 mi |
W. H. MAZE CO -NAIL DIV PERU, IL61354 | Zinc compounds | 0 | 6.6 mi |
EPSILYTE LLC PERU, IL61354 | Styrene | 0 | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of North Utica
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.
- MATTHIESSEN AND HEGELER ZINC COMPANY3.4 mi
- LASALLE ELECTRIC UTILITIES4.0 mi
- OTTAWA RADIATION AREAS9.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 North Utica compares by contaminant
Explore where North Utica ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Utica's water comes from
North Utica'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Utica
North Utica is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Utica
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH UTICA | IL0990650 | 1,400 | GW |
How North Utica compares
Full Illinois rankings →North Utica's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About North Utica, IL
Wikipedia →North Utica, often known as Utica, is a village in Utica Township, LaSalle County, Illinois. The population was 1,323 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Utica's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lasalle
Frequently asked questions
Is North Utica, IL tap water safe to drink?
North Utica's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #666 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in North Utica's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is North Utica'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 North Utica?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Utica's water come from?
North Utica's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has North Utica's water system had?
North Utica has 25 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Utica's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Utica 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 55 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 North Utica's water compare to other cities?
North Utica ranks #666 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 25% of state cities) and #9596 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Utica's small water system affect quality?
North Utica's system serves approximately 1,400 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 55 violations on record.