A91/100
Harrisburg Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 12,829 residents · Illinois
What's In Harrisburg's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
4
Unresolved
1
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
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 2Unresolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – July 7, 2025Enforcement: 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: September 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: 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, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – November 1, 2021Enforcement: 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
HARRISBURG
Population Served
8,524
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL1650200
LIBERTY-LEDFORD PWD
Population Served
1,195
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL1655050
PROSPECT WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
1,140
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
IL1655110
MITCHELLSVILLE PWD
Population Served
1,970
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL1655200
Frequently Asked Questions About Harrisburg Water
Is Harrisburg tap water safe to drink?
Harrisburg, Illinois tap water receives a grade of A (91/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 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 Harrisburg's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Harrisburg'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 Harrisburg have any water quality violations?
Yes, Harrisburg has 22 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, RPT, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg's tap water come from?
Harrisburg's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by HARRISBURG and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 12,829 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Harrisburg'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. Harrisburg'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 Harrisburg's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Harrisburg's water quality score of 91/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Harrisburg among the better-performing water systems in Illinois. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Harrisburg's water quality?
If you have concerns about Harrisburg'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 (HARRISBURG) 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.