Is Polo, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.9/100
waterverge.com Polo, IL — Water Quality Report
Polo's drinking water received a grade of A (93.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,355 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 15 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Polo's water
Polo ranks #33 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Polo 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, Polo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Polo, IL water safe to drink?
Polo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,355 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Polo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Polo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Polo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Polo's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ogle County has experienced 5 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 Rock River, Elkhorn Creek.
Where does Polo's water come from?
Polo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,355 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rock River (river), Elkhorn Creek (river).
What Polo residents can do
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.
Polo'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
Flood & disaster history
Ogle County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Polo compares by contaminant
Explore where Polo ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Polo's water comes from
Polo'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 2,355 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Polo
Polo is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Polo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLO | IL1410450 | 2,355 | GW |
How Polo compares
Full Illinois rankings →Polo's score of 93.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Polo, IL
Wikipedia →Polo is a city in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,291 at the 2020 census, down from 2,355 in 2010 and 2,477 in 2000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Polo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ogle
Frequently asked questions
Is Polo, IL tap water safe to drink?
Polo's water quality earned a grade of A (93.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Polo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Polo'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 Polo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Polo's water come from?
Polo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,355 residents.
What health violations has Polo's water system had?
Polo has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Polo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Polo 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 15 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 Polo's water compare to other cities?
Polo ranks #33 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 96% of state cities) and #677 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Polo's small water system affect quality?
Polo's system serves approximately 2,355 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 15 violations on record.