Is Orion, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.8/100
waterverge.com Orion, IL — Water Quality Report
Orion's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,129 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 19 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Orion's water
Orion ranks #704 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Orion 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, Orion may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orion, IL water safe to drink?
Orion's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,129 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Orion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orion's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Orion's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Orion's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Henry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Orion's water come from?
Orion's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,129 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Orion residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Orion'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.
Orion'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 Orion
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Orion, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROCK ISLAND LUBRICANTS CO MOLINE, IL61265 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Henry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Orion compares by contaminant
Explore where Orion ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orion's water comes from
Orion'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 2,129 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Orion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORION | IL0730700 | 1,754 | GW |
| SUNNY HILL ESTATES SUBDIVISION | IL0735300 | 375 | GW |
How Orion compares
Full Illinois rankings →Orion's score of 72.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Orion, IL
Wikipedia →Orion is a village in Henry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,754 at the 2020 census. It is the site for transmitters for many of the Quad Cities' radio and television stations, including KLJB, KWQC-TV, WMWC-TV, WQAD-TV, WQPT-TV and KQIN. FM radio station transmitters include WLKU and WXLP.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henry
Frequently asked questions
Is Orion, IL tap water safe to drink?
Orion's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #704 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Orion's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Orion'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 Orion?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Orion's water come from?
Orion's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,129 residents.
What health violations has Orion's water system had?
Orion has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Orion's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Orion 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 19 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 Orion's water compare to other cities?
Orion ranks #704 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 21% of state cities) and #10235 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.