TapSafetyReport
F18/100

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

Serving 2,134 residents · Illinois

What's In Carbon Cliff's Tap Water?

21
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.003 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

9

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 16, 2025 – March 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023 – May 2, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – August 12, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

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

When: July 1, 2021 – July 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 – August 6, 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

CARBON CLIFF
Population Served

2,134

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL1610100

Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Cliff Water

Is Carbon Cliff tap water safe to drink?

Carbon Cliff, Illinois tap water receives a grade of F (18/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 31 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Carbon Cliff's water?

Of the 21 contaminants tested in Carbon Cliff's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 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 Carbon Cliff have any water quality violations?

Yes, Carbon Cliff has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Carbon Cliff?

Carbon Cliff 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 Carbon Cliff's tap water come from?

Carbon Cliff's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CARBON CLIFF. The system serves approximately 2,134 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Carbon Cliff'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. Carbon Cliff'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 Carbon Cliff's water compare to other cities in Illinois?

Carbon Cliff's water quality score of 18/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

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

If you have concerns about Carbon Cliff'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 (CARBON CLIFF) 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.

Nearby Cities in Illinois

ChicagoCGodfreyBAuroraBKankakeeBJolietF