WaterVerge

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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IL1410550
Overall Score
94.3 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#25 of 891 in Illinois Top 4% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
94.3/100
waterverge.com
A 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.3 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Stillman Valley, IL water safe to drink?

Use Caution

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).

1
Active Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Stillman Valley

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stillman Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stillman Valley's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MR
Most recent violations:
Mar 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 2001 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Sep 2001 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2000 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Jan 2000 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved

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.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4116
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3230
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-997

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

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

9
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Mar 2003
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

9 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
3
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Mar 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2003
Nov 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2001
Sep 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2001
Jan 2000 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2000
Jan 2000 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2000
Oct 1999 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Oct 1999 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Jun 1977 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1981
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
QUALITY METAL FINISHING CO
Fabricated Metals · NA
BYRON, IL61010
4.4 mi
SWENSON SPREADER LLC
Fabricated Metals · AEBI SCHMIDT NORTH AMERICA
LINDENWOOD, IL61049
8.4 mi
FOREST CITY TECHNOLOGIES - ROCKFORD PLANT
Fabricated Metals · FOREST CITY TECHNOLOGIES
ROCKFORD, IL61102
8.9 mi
J&M PLATING
Fabricated Metals · NA
ROCKFORD, IL61109
9.0 mi
MTE HYDRAULICS
Machinery · NA
ROCKFORD, IL61109
8.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
May 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

May 2013
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4116
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3230
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #997
Jun 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #438
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #373

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Stillman Valley compares by contaminant

Explore where Stillman Valley ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,200
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Stillman Valley's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Rock River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Stillman Valley

System Name PWSID Population Source
STILLMAN VALLEY IL1410550 1,200 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Stillman Valley (this city)
94.3
Chicago
35.2
Aurora
45.5
Joliet
38.5
Naperville
81.2
Champaign
91.9
Illinois avg
56
City Profile

About Stillman Valley, IL

Economic Profile
$81,515
Median Income
$159,203
Median Home Value
$1,050/mo
Median Rent
2.5%
Unemployment
Community
33.6
Median Age
797
People / sq mi
32.6%
College Educated
78.8%
Homeownership
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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.