TapSafetyReport
B65/100

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

Serving 181,694 residents · Illinois

What's In Kankakee's Tap Water?

77
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
3.30 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

5

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

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: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

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

When: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify 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 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, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: January 1, 2024 – January 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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

AQUA ILLINOIS-CANDLEWICK DVN
Population Served

6,426

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL0075050

AQUA ILLINOIS-PHILO
Population Served

1,378

Water Source

Purchased Groundwater

System ID

IL0190600

AQUA ILLINOIS-NORTH MAINE UTILITIES
Population Served

30,043

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

IL0315350

AQUA ILLINOIS-OAK BROOK
Population Served

5,361

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

IL0430055

AQUA ILLINOIS-SKYLINE (NORTHERN)
Population Served

1,200

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL0895030

AQUA ILLINOIS-KANKAKEE
Population Served

80,000

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IL0915030

AQUA ILLINOIS-OAK RUN
Population Served

1,885

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL0955200

AQUA ILLINOIS-ROCKWELL
Population Served

1,762

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL0970110

AQUA ILLINOIS-HAWTHORN WOODS
Population Served

3,065

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL0975040

AQUA ILLINOIS-MCHENRY SHORES
Population Served

1,862

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL1115020

AQUA ILLINOIS-VERMILION COUNTY
Population Served

30,106

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IL1835120

AQUA ILLINOIS-TIMBER RIDGE
Population Served

2,322

Water Source

Purchased Groundwater

System ID

IL1970410

AQUA ILLINOIS-PEOTONE
Population Served

4,182

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

IL1970750

AQUA ILLINOIS-UNIVERSITY PARK
Population Served

7,002

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

IL1975030

AQUA ILLINOIS-WILLOWBROOK
Population Served

5,100

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL1977870

Frequently Asked Questions About Kankakee Water

Is Kankakee tap water safe to drink?

Kankakee, Illinois tap water receives a grade of B (65/100), which is considered good. Out of 80 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 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 Kankakee's water?

Of the 80 contaminants tested in Kankakee's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), strontium. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Kankakee have any water quality violations?

Yes, Kankakee has 422 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 47 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Kankakee?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Kankakee is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Kankakee's tap water come from?

Kankakee's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by AQUA ILLINOIS-CANDLEWICK DVN and 14 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 181,694 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Kankakee's water quality score of 65/100 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 Kankakee's water quality?

If you have concerns about Kankakee'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 (AQUA ILLINOIS-CANDLEWICK DVN) 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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