Is Oakwood, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Oakwood, IL — Water Quality Report
Oakwood's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,067 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 49 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakwood's water
Oakwood ranks #376 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Oakwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oakwood, IL water safe to drink?
Oakwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,067 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oakwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Oakwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oakwood's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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 Above Wonder Lake, Elizabeth Lake Drain Nr Twin Lakes, Wi-Il.
Where does Oakwood's water come from?
Oakwood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,067 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Channel Lake (lake), Fox Lake (lake), Nippersink Lake (lake), Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake (river), Elizabeth Lake Drain Nr Twin Lakes, Wi-Il (river).
What Oakwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oakwood'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.
Oakwood'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 Oakwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oakwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,000 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THYSSENKRUPP CRANKSHAFT CO LLC DANVILLE, IL61834 | Lead | 1,000 | 9.9 mi |
LEBANON SEABOARD CORP DANVILLE, IL61834 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
WATCH FIRE DANVILLE, IL61832 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
REG DANVILLE LLC DANVILLE, IL61832 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Oakwood
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.
- HEGELER ZINC7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
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.
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. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oakwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakwood ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakwood's water comes from
Oakwood's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 3,067 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Oakwood
Oakwood is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Oakwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-OAKWOOD | IL1830600 | 1,600 | SW |
| PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-LAKE WILDWOOD | IL1235200 | 1,295 | GW |
| PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-CEDAR WATER | IL0955150 | 172 | GW |
How Oakwood compares
Full Illinois rankings →Oakwood's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Oakwood, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vermilion
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakwood, IL tap water safe to drink?
Oakwood's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #376 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Oakwood's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Oakwood'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 Oakwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakwood's water come from?
Oakwood's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,067 residents.
What health violations has Oakwood's water system had?
Oakwood has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oakwood's water compare to other cities?
Oakwood ranks #376 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 58% of state cities) and #5383 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.