Is Rockford, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Rockford tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 7 of 7 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFHxS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Rockford Get Its Water?
Water in Rockford, IL is provided by 3 public water systems: ROCKFORD, IL, CHERRY VALLEY and NORTH PARK PWD.
How Is Rockford Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine. Treatment includes granular activated carbon filtration and groundwater disinfection.
What's in Rockford Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Rockford public water systems. 7 of 7 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFHxS | 0.0141 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 7 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| HFPO-DA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 6:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Rockford
Based on EPA monitoring data, 7 of 7 ZIP codes in Rockford have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockford Tap Water
Is Rockford tap water safe to drink?
Rockford tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 7 of 7 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Rockford tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Rockford water systems include: PFHxS, lithium, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Rockford get its drinking water?
Rockford receives water from 3 public water systems, including ROCKFORD, IL.
Do I need a water filter in Rockford?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Rockford tap water tested?
Public water systems in Rockford are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-10-15.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Rockford
- 61101 - Nottingham Manor, Rockford tap water report Higher concern
- 61102 - Coreys Bluff, Rockford tap water report Higher concern
- 61103 - Colonial Gardens, Rockford tap water report Higher concern
- 61107 - Belvidere, Rockford tap water report Higher concern
- 61108 - Pine Manor, Rockford tap water report Higher concern
- 61109 - Fritchens Subdivision, Rockford tap water report Higher concern
- 61114 - Loves Park, Rockford tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Rockford, IL
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- ROCKFORDAction advised
Also covers / overlaps with
- Belvidere, IL · Township
- Cherry Valley, IL
- Owen, IL · Township
- Burritt, IL · Township
- Byron, IL · Township
- Loves Park, IL
- New Milford, IL
- Winnebago, IL · Township