WaterVerge

Is Stockton, 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IL0850450
Overall Score
95.3 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#12 of 891 in Illinois Top 2% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
95.3/100
waterverge.com
A+ 95.3/100

Stockton, IL — Water Quality Report

Stockton's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,728 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 22 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 Stockton's water

Stockton ranks #12 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Stockton 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, Stockton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
95.3 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Stockton, IL water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Stockton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A+ (95.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,728 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Stockton

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stockton's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.3/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1368). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
17 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, 1,1-Dichloroethylene.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Stockton's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2022 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Jan 1994 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 1992 o-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jul 1992 p-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jul 1992 1,1-Dichloroethylene Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Jo Daviess County has experienced 7 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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3230
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1368
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-997

Where does Stockton's water come from?

Stockton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,728 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Stockton 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

Stockton'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

22
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jul 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

22 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
21 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
17
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2022 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2022
Jan 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1994
Jul 1992 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1992
Showing 20 of 22 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Stockton

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stockton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KOLB LENA CHEESE INC.
Food · ZAUSNER FOODS CORP
LENA, IL61048
4.5 mi
BREWSTER - STOCKTON PLANT
Food · BREWSTER CHEESE CO
STOCKTON, IL61085
0.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Jo Daviess County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3230
May 2001
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1368
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #997
Jun 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #438
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #373
Aug 1969
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #276

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,728
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Stockton's water comes from

Groundwater

Stockton'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 1,728 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Stockton

System Name PWSID Population Source
STOCKTON IL0850450 1,728 GW
Regional Comparison

How Stockton compares

Full Illinois rankings →

Stockton's score of 95.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Stockton (this city)
95.3
Chicago
35.2
Aurora
45.5
Joliet
38.5
Naperville
81.2
Champaign
91.9
Illinois avg
56
City Profile

About Stockton, IL

Economic Profile
$50,366
Median Income
$86,085
Median Home Value
$752/mo
Median Rent
4.4%
Unemployment
Community
43.2
Median Age
331
People / sq mi
16.2%
College Educated
73.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Stockton, IL tap water safe to drink?

Stockton's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.

What contaminants are in Stockton's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.

How is Stockton'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 Stockton?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Stockton's water come from?

Stockton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,728 residents.

Is Stockton's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Stockton 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 22 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 Stockton's water compare to other cities?

Stockton ranks #12 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 99% of state cities) and #331 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Stockton's small water system affect quality?

Stockton's system serves approximately 1,728 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 22 violations on record.