B72/100

Benton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 11,754 residents · Illinois

What's In Benton's Tap Water?

Choose your water utility(2 serving Benton)

Contaminants Tested

Exceed EPA Limits

Above EPA Goals

1 contaminant above EPA health goals

Contaminant	Detected	Limit (MCL)	Goal (MCLG)	Status
chlorate	338.32 µg/L	—	210.00 µg/L	Above Goal

EPA Violation History

Violations (last 5yr)

Unresolved

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 22, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 2, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: January 12, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Reporting violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 11, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2024Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2022 – June 28, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: September 28, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: September 28, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2022Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2021 – February 28, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 21, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2021 – September 17, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

BENTON

Population Served

8,104

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

IL0550050

REND LAKE INTER-CITY WATER SYSTEM

Population Served

3,650

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IL0555100

Frequently Asked Questions About Benton Water

Is Benton tap water safe to drink?

Benton, Illinois tap water receives a grade of B (72/100), which is considered good. Out of 54 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in Benton's water?

Of the 54 contaminants tested in Benton's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Benton have any water quality violations?

Yes, Benton has 44 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, RPT. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Benton?

Benton water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Benton's tap water come from?

Benton's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by BENTON and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 11,754 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Benton's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Benton's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Benton's water compare to other cities in Illinois?

Benton's water quality score of 72/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Benton's water quality?

If you have concerns about Benton's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BENTON) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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