Water Quality in Harwood Heights, IL: No Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 79/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Harwood Heights's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Harwood Heights, IL — clean EPA record, 1 water system, zero violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Harwood Heights
Water quality varies across Harwood Heights's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60706 | B | 79 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Harwood Heights, Illinois receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 79 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Harwood Heights. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Harwood Heights's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Harwood Heights water systems is 0.0066 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 80% of homes built before 1986, Harwood Heights has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Harwood Heights is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Harwood Heights
Harwood Heights is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 9,065 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Harwood Heights. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Harwood Heights
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Harwood Heights. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-01-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-01-06 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-01-19.
Harwood Heights vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Harwood Heights's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harwood Heights | B | 0 | 1 | 9,065 |
| Paris | C | 1 | 1 | 9,100 |
| West Frankfort | B | 0 | 2 | 9,110 |
| Vandalia | B | 9 | 3 | 9,117 |
Common Questions About Harwood Heights Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Harwood Heights, Illinois:
Is Harwood Heights water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Harwood Heights's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Harwood Heights tap water? Harwood Heights's water receives a grade of B (79/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Harwood Heights? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Harwood Heights vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Harwood Heights compares to the broader Illinois average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Harwood Heights.
ZIP Codes in Harwood Heights
Harwood Heights spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.