Is Phoenix, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 34 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.9/100
waterverge.com Phoenix, IL — Water Quality Report
Phoenix's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,994 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 68 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Phoenix's water
Phoenix ranks #765 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Phoenix may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Phoenix, IL water safe to drink?
Phoenix's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,994 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Phoenix
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Phoenix's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4749). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Phoenix's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Phoenix's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cook County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Pullman Creek, Hart Ditch, Little Calumet R, Little Calumet River, Thorn Creek.
Where does Phoenix's water come from?
Phoenix's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,994 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pullman Creek (river), Hart Ditch (stream), Little Calumet R (river), Little Calumet River (river), Thorn Creek (river).
What Phoenix residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Phoenix'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.
Phoenix'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 Phoenix
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Phoenix, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,445,165 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BP PRODUCTS NA WHITING BUSINESS UNIT WHITING, IN46394 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,002,622 | 8.4 mi |
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL LLC EAST CHICAGO, IN46312 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 250,142 | 9.9 mi |
CARGILL TEXTURIZING SOLUTIONS HAMMOND, IN46320 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 187,428 | 8.2 mi |
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL LLC EAST CHICAGO, IN46312 | Zinc compounds | 4,872 | 9.1 mi |
CID RECYCLING & DISPOSAL FACILITY CALUMET CITY, IL60409 | Ammonia | 101 | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Phoenix
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.
- ESTECH GENERAL CHEMICAL COMPANY5.5 mi
- LAKE CALUMET CLUSTER5.7 mi
- SCHROUD PROPERTY5.7 mi
- ACME STEEL COKE PLANT6.4 mi
- FEDERATED METALS CORP WHITING8.1 mi
+ 1 more site
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Cook County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Phoenix compares by contaminant
Explore where Phoenix ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Phoenix's water comes from
Phoenix'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,994 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Phoenix
Phoenix 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 Phoenix
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHOENIX | IL0312490 | 1,994 | SWP |
How Phoenix compares
Full Illinois rankings →Phoenix's score of 66.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Phoenix, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Phoenix's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Phoenix, IL tap water safe to drink?
Phoenix's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #765 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Phoenix's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Phoenix'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 Phoenix?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Phoenix's water come from?
Phoenix's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,994 residents.
What health violations has Phoenix's water system had?
Phoenix has 6 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. 34 violations remain unresolved.
How does Phoenix's water compare to other cities?
Phoenix ranks #765 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 14% of state cities) and #11310 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Phoenix's small water system affect quality?
Phoenix's system serves approximately 1,994 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 68 violations on record.