Water Quality in Rockford, IL: 154 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 34/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Rockford's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Rockford, IL show 154 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality Map: Rockford, IL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rockford
Water quality varies across Rockford's 14 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61104 | F | 28 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61106 | F | 31 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61112 | F | 31 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61125 | F | 31 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61126 | F | 31 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61102 | F | 33 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61103 | F | 33 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61107 | F | 33 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61108 | F | 33 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61109 | F | 33 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61101 | F | 38 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61114 | F | 38 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61105 | D | 43 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 61110 | D | 43 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Rockford, Illinois receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 34 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Rockford have accumulated 154 EPA violations, including 14 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 14 ZIP codes serving approximately 148,031 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Rockford's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Rockford water systems is 0.0140 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 71% of homes built before 1986, Rockford 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
Rockford 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 Rockford
Rockford is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 148,031 people across 14 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 140 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rockford. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Rockford
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 Rockford Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Rockford's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 42 | 14 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 28 | 14 | No |
| PFNA | PFAS | 0.00001 mg/L | 14 | 14 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 14 | 14 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 14 | 14 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 14 | 14 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 14 | 14 | Yes |
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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rockford. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-24.
Rockford vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Rockford's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford | F | 154 | 5 | 148,031 |
| Bondville | D | 0 | 1 | 150,000 |
| Elsah | C | 0 | 1 | 150,000 |
| Peoria | F | 232 | 3 | 143,381 |
Recommended Water Filters for Rockford
Based on contaminants detected in Rockford's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Copper
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
Ion Exchange Water Softener (POE)
- Removes: Likely Source of ContaminationCombined Radium226/228
- Effectiveness: 90-97%
- Cost range: $500–$2500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 44
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Fleck 5600SXT Softener
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rockford
Water quality varies across Rockford's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61104 | 28 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61106 | 31 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61112 | 31 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61125 | 31 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61126 | 31 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61102 | 33 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61103 | 33 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61107 | 33 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61108 | 33 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61109 | 33 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61110 | 43 | D | 11 | 1 |
| 61105 | 43 | D | 11 | 1 |
| 61114 | 38 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61101 | 38 | F | 11 | 1 |
| 61109 | 33 | F | 11 | 1 |
Common Questions About Rockford Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Rockford, Illinois:
Is Rockford water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Rockford's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Rockford tap water? Rockford's water receives a grade of F (34/100). There are 14 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Rockford? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Rockford vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Rockford 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 Rockford.
ZIP Codes in Rockford
Rockford spans 14 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 61101. 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.