TapSafetyReport
F0/100

OTTAWA — Water Quality Report 2026

Serving 18,097 people · Illinois

Water Source
Groundwater
County
—
System ID
IL0990800
Violations
85

Contaminant Test Results

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

1

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

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 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: 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: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: 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: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 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

Frequently Asked Questions About OTTAWA

Is OTTAWA water safe to drink?

OTTAWA water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 85 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.

What contaminants has OTTAWA detected?

66 contaminants were tested in OTTAWA's water. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits or health goals, indicating good water quality management.

Does OTTAWA have any EPA violations?

Yes, OTTAWA has 85 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, MCL, MR. 21 are health-based violations.

How many people does OTTAWA serve?

OTTAWA serves approximately 18,097 people, Illinois. The system provides water to 1 community: Ottawa.

What type of water does OTTAWA provide?

OTTAWA sources its water from groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is IL0990800.

How does OTTAWA compare to other utilities in Illinois?

OTTAWA scores 0/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our Illinois state page for a full comparison of water systems.

Cities Served

Ottawa