Is Round Lake Heights, 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 ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Round Lake Heights, IL — Water Quality Report
Round Lake Heights's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,622 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Round Lake Heights's water
Round Lake Heights ranks #364 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Round Lake Heights may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Round Lake Heights, IL water safe to drink?
Round Lake Heights's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,622 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Round Lake Heights
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Round Lake Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Round Lake Heights's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Round Lake Heights's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lake 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 Mill Creek, Channel Lake, Fox Lake, Nippersink Lake, Nippersink Creek.
Where does Round Lake Heights's water come from?
Round Lake Heights's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,622 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mill Creek (river), Channel Lake (lake), Fox Lake (lake), Nippersink Lake (lake), Nippersink Creek (river).
What Round Lake Heights 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.
Round Lake Heights'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 Round Lake Heights
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Round Lake Heights, 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 | 8.3 mi |
SKACH MANUFACTURING CO. ANTIOCH, IL60002 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
THE IMAGINE GROUP LLC GRAYSLAKE, IL60030 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
HARGER INC. GRAYSLAKE, IL60030 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
VCNA PRAIRIE LLC - YARD 1024 VERNON HILLS, IL60061 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Round Lake Heights
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.
- H O D LANDFILL6.4 mi
- WAUCONDA SAND GRAVEL7.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Lake 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Round Lake Heights compares by contaminant
Explore where Round Lake Heights ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Round Lake Heights's water comes from
Round Lake Heights'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 2,622 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Round Lake Heights
Round Lake Heights 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 Round Lake Heights
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROUND LAKE HEIGHTS | IL0970260 | 2,622 | SWP |
How Round Lake Heights compares
Full Illinois rankings →Round Lake Heights's score of 85.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Round Lake Heights, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Round Lake Heights's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Round Lake Heights, IL tap water safe to drink?
Round Lake Heights's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #364 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Round Lake Heights's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Round Lake Heights'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 Round Lake Heights?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Round Lake Heights's water come from?
Round Lake Heights's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,622 residents.
How does Round Lake Heights's water compare to other cities?
Round Lake Heights ranks #364 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 59% of state cities) and #5217 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Round Lake Heights's small water system affect quality?
Round Lake Heights's system serves approximately 2,622 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 3 violations on record.