B79/100
Downers Grove Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 49,425 residents · Illinois
What's In Downers Grove's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
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
DOWNERS GROVE
Population Served
49,425
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL0430300
Frequently Asked Questions About Downers Grove Water
Is Downers Grove tap water safe to drink?
Downers Grove, Illinois tap water receives a grade of B (79/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 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 Downers Grove's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Downers Grove'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 Downers Grove have any water quality violations?
Yes, Downers Grove has 10 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include MON, MR, Other. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Downers Grove?
Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove's tap water come from?
Downers Grove's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by DOWNERS GROVE. The system serves approximately 49,425 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Downers Grove'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. Downers Grove'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 Downers Grove's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Downers Grove's water quality score of 79/100 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 Downers Grove's water quality?
If you have concerns about Downers Grove'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 (DOWNERS GROVE) 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.