Water Quality in Machesney Park, IL: 1 Violation — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Machesney Park's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Machesney Park, IL surfaces 1 documented water violation — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Machesney Park
Water quality varies across Machesney Park's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61115 | D | 54 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Machesney Park, Illinois receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Machesney Park have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 35,663 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Machesney Park's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Machesney Park water systems is 0.0053 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 65% of homes built before 1986, Machesney Park 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
Machesney Park is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Machesney Park
Machesney Park is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 35,663 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 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Machesney Park. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Machesney Park
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
Contaminants Detected in Machesney Park Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Machesney Park's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Machesney Park. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-01-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-01-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-01-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-12-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-02-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-01-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-01-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-01-07 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-01-27.
Machesney Park vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Machesney Park's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machesney Park | D | 1 | 2 | 35,663 |
| Dieterich | C | 29 | 5 | 35,589 |
| Granite City | C | 4 | 3 | 36,127 |
| Mchenry | D | 14 | 5 | 34,960 |
Common Questions About Machesney Park Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Machesney Park, Illinois:
Is Machesney Park water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Machesney Park's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Machesney Park tap water? Machesney Park's water receives a grade of D (54/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Machesney Park? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Machesney Park vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Machesney Park 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 Machesney Park.
ZIP Codes in Machesney Park
Machesney Park spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 61115. 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.