B62/100

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

Serving 37,046 residents · Illinois

What's In Mchenry's Tap Water?

66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.006 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

23

Violations (last 5yr)

1

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

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 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, 2023 – February 29, 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Revised Total Coliform 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

PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-LAKE MARIAN
Population Served

1,022

Water Source

Purchased Groundwater

System ID

IL0895200

PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-HARBOR RIDGE
Population Served

1,064

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL0975620

MCHENRY
Population Served

22,335

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL1110600

PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-KILLARNEY
Population Served

1,232

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL1115400

PRAIRIE PATH WATER CO-WHISPERING HILLS
Population Served

8,300

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL1115700

PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-OAKWOOD
Population Served

1,600

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IL1830600

PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-WESTLAKE
Population Served

1,493

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL2010070

Frequently Asked Questions About Mchenry Water

Is Mchenry tap water safe to drink?

Mchenry, Illinois tap water receives a grade of B (62/100), which is considered good. Out of 70 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 4 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 Mchenry's water?

Of the 70 contaminants tested in Mchenry's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Mchenry have any water quality violations?

Yes, Mchenry has 199 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 21 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Mchenry?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Mchenry is recommended. 2 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 Mchenry's tap water come from?

Mchenry's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-LAKE MARIAN and 6 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 37,046 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Mchenry's water quality score of 62/100 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 Mchenry's water quality?

If you have concerns about Mchenry'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 (PRAIRIE PATH WATER COMPANY-LAKE MARIAN) 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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