Is Tower Lakes, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.7/100
waterverge.com Tower Lakes, IL — Water Quality Report
Tower Lakes's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,372 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 88 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tower Lakes's water
Tower Lakes ranks #694 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Tower Lakes 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, Tower Lakes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tower Lakes, IL water safe to drink?
Tower Lakes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,372 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tower Lakes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tower Lakes's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.7/100).
Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, p-Dichlorobenzene, 1,1-Dichloroethylene.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tower Lakes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Tower Lakes's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Channel Lake, Fox Lake, Nippersink Lake, Nippersink Creek, Fox River.
Where does Tower Lakes's water come from?
Tower Lakes's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,372 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Channel Lake (lake), Fox Lake (lake), Nippersink Lake (lake), Nippersink Creek (river), Fox River (river).
What Tower Lakes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tower Lakes'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.
Tower Lakes'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 Tower Lakes
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tower Lakes, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTHFIELD BLOCK CO MUNDELEIN, IL60060 | Lead | 0 | 8.8 mi |
MATHEWS CO CRYSTAL LAKE, IL60012 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
AMPAC FLEXIBLES LLC (PREVIOUSLY FLEXICON INC) CARY, IL60013 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
TRUE VALUE MANUFACTURING CARY, IL60013 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
G & M MANUFACTURING CORP CRYSTAL LAKE, IL60014 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Tower Lakes
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.
- WAUCONDA SAND GRAVEL3.8 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Tower Lakes's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tower Lakes compares by contaminant
Explore where Tower Lakes ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tower Lakes's water comes from
Tower Lakes'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 1,372 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tower Lakes
Tower Lakes is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tower Lakes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWER LAKES | IL0975010 | 1,372 | GW |
How Tower Lakes compares
Full Illinois rankings →Tower Lakes's score of 73.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Tower Lakes, IL
Wikipedia →Volo is a village in Lake County, Illinois, United States. It was incorporated as a village on April 26, 1993. Per the 2020 census, the population was 6,122.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tower Lakes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Tower Lakes, IL tap water safe to drink?
Tower Lakes's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #694 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Tower Lakes's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Tower Lakes'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 Tower Lakes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tower Lakes's water come from?
Tower Lakes's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,372 residents.
What health violations has Tower Lakes's water system had?
Tower Lakes has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tower Lakes's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tower Lakes 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 88 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 Tower Lakes's water compare to other cities?
Tower Lakes ranks #694 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 22% of state cities) and #10039 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tower Lakes's small water system affect quality?
Tower Lakes's system serves approximately 1,372 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 88 violations on record.