Is Port Byron, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
70.6/100
waterverge.com Port Byron, IL — Water Quality Report
Port Byron's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,028 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 40 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Byron's water
Port Byron ranks #733 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Port Byron 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, Port Byron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Byron, IL water safe to drink?
Port Byron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,028 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Port Byron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Byron's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4461). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Port Byron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Port Byron's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rock Island County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Miss R, Crow Creek At Bettendorf.
Where does Port Byron's water come from?
Port Byron's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,028 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Miss R (river), Crow Creek At Bettendorf (river).
What Port Byron residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Byron'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.
Port Byron'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 Port Byron
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Port Byron, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,214,838 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FRESH MEATS INC - JOSLIN IL HILLSDALE, IL61257 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,197,525 | 7.1 mi |
ARCONIC US LLC BETTENDORF, IA52722 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 17,313 | 9.1 mi |
JOHNSON MANUFACTURING CO PRINCETON, IA52768 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 3.7 mi |
JOHN DEERE HARVESTER WORKS EAST MOLINE EAST MOLINE, IL61244 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ATLAS ROOFING CORP EAST MOLINE, IL61244 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Rock Island County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Port Byron's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.73 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.728 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Port Byron compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Byron ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Byron's water comes from
Port Byron'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 2,028 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Port Byron
Port Byron is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Port Byron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT BYRON | IL1610550 | 1,678 | GW |
| FALCON FARMS | IL1617635 | 350 | GW |
How Port Byron compares
Full Illinois rankings →Port Byron's score of 70.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Port Byron, IL
Wikipedia →Port Byron is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States and part of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area. The population was 1,668 at the time of the 2020 census; up from 1,647 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Byron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rock Island
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Byron, IL tap water safe to drink?
Port Byron's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #733 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Port Byron's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Port Byron'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 Port Byron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Byron's water come from?
Port Byron's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,028 residents.
What health violations has Port Byron's water system had?
Port Byron has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Port Byron's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Port Byron 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 40 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 Port Byron's water compare to other cities?
Port Byron ranks #733 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 18% of state cities) and #10708 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.