Is Richmond, 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 ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Richmond, IL — Water Quality Report
Richmond's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,087 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Richmond's water
Richmond ranks #221 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Richmond 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, Richmond may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Richmond, IL water safe to drink?
Richmond's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,087 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Richmond
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Richmond's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Richmond's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Richmond's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
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 White River, Fox River, Nippersink Lake, Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake, Elizabeth Lake Drain Nr Twin Lakes, Wi-Il.
Where does Richmond's water come from?
Richmond's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,087 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River (river), Fox River (river), Nippersink Lake (lake), Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake (river), Elizabeth Lake Drain Nr Twin Lakes, Wi-Il (river).
What Richmond residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Richmond'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.
Richmond'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 Richmond
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Richmond, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SCOT FORGE CO SPRING GROVE, IL60081 | Nickel | 9 | 3.5 mi |
OZINGA READY-MIX CONCRETE - MCHENRY MCHENRY, IL60050 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO RICHMOND, IL60071 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
LEICA BIOSYSTEMS RICHMOND INC RICHMOND, IL60071 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
HUNTSMAN POLYURETHANES RINGWOOD, IL60072 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Richmond compares by contaminant
Explore where Richmond ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Richmond's water comes from
Richmond'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 2,087 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Richmond
Richmond is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Richmond
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHMOND | IL1110750 | 2,087 | GW |
How Richmond compares
Full Illinois rankings →Richmond's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Richmond, IL
Wikipedia →Richmond is a village in McHenry County, Illinois, United States, 65 miles northwest of Chicago. It is a commuter village within the Chicago metropolitan area. The population was 2,089 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Richmond's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mchenry
Frequently asked questions
Is Richmond, IL tap water safe to drink?
Richmond's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #221 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Richmond's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Richmond'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 Richmond?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Richmond's water come from?
Richmond's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,087 residents.
What health violations has Richmond's water system had?
Richmond has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Richmond's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Richmond 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 Richmond's water compare to other cities?
Richmond ranks #221 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 75% of state cities) and #3525 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Richmond's small water system affect quality?
Richmond's system serves approximately 2,087 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 19 violations on record.