Is Stillman Valley, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.3/100
Stillman Valley, IL — Water Quality Report
Stillman Valley's drinking water received a grade of A (94.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Stillman Valley's water
Stillman Valley ranks #25 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Stillman Valley 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, Stillman Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stillman Valley, IL water safe to drink?
Stillman Valley's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stillman Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stillman Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stillman Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stillman Valley's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
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.
Where does Stillman Valley's water come from?
Stillman Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 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).
What Stillman Valley 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.
Stillman Valley'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 Stillman Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stillman Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUALITY METAL FINISHING CO BYRON, IL61010 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
SWENSON SPREADER LLC LINDENWOOD, IL61049 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
FOREST CITY TECHNOLOGIES - ROCKFORD PLANT ROCKFORD, IL61102 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
J&M PLATING ROCKFORD, IL61109 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
MTE HYDRAULICS ROCKFORD, IL61109 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Stillman Valley
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.
- BYRON SALVAGE YARD6.2 mi
- PAGEL S PIT7.3 mi
- ACME SOLVENT RECLAIMING INC MORRISTOWN PLANT7.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stillman Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Stillman Valley ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stillman Valley's water comes from
Stillman Valley'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Stillman Valley
Stillman Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Stillman Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STILLMAN VALLEY | IL1410550 | 1,200 | GW |
How Stillman Valley compares
Full Illinois rankings →Stillman Valley's score of 94.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Stillman Valley, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stillman Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ogle
Frequently asked questions
Is Stillman Valley, IL tap water safe to drink?
Stillman Valley's water quality earned a grade of A (94.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Stillman Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Stillman Valley'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 Stillman Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stillman Valley's water come from?
Stillman Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
Is Stillman Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stillman Valley 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 9 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 Stillman Valley's water compare to other cities?
Stillman Valley ranks #25 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 97% of state cities) and #547 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Stillman Valley's small water system affect quality?
Stillman Valley's system serves approximately 1,200 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 9 violations on record.