DeKalb Tap Water Quality Report
DeKalb's water has 30 MCL violations on record — an enforceable limit was exceeded, which is a different thing from a result sitting above a health goal.
Utilities
4 Utilities
People Served
7,084
MCL Violations
30
Last Updated
Is DeKalb Tap Water Safe to Drink?
DeKalb's water has 30 MCL violations on record at one of its 4 water systems. A violation means an enforceable limit was actually exceeded, which is a different thing from a result sitting above a health goal — it is the case where the number genuinely matters, and a certified filter matched to the finding is worth considering.
The data below shows test results from 4 water utilities serving 7,084 people in the DeKalb area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2023-09-11.
Boil water advisories are issued by water systems and state agencies, and they change from day to day. Boil water advisories in Illinois
DeKalb Water Service Areas
What these numbers actually mean for DeKalb, IL
We read DeKalb, IL’s published record and send you a short report — which findings warrant a decision, which to ignore, and what to do about it. Including when the answer is nothing.
- 3 contaminants above EPA health goals at its most-affected system
- 397 results across 4 water systems
- 23 PFAS compounds on record
Buying a home here? Property Water Report — $49 Emailed within one business day.
Get DeKalb Water Alerts
EPA data, filter picks, and water quality news for IL — in your inbox.
Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
Recommended Water Filters for DeKalb
Based on DeKalb's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
AquaTru
Classic
NSF Certified:
Flow Rate
0.04 gpm
Daily Production
600 gpd
Highlights:
- Best overall contaminant reduction score
- Most performance certifications
- Lifetime warranty
- NSF-42, NSF-53, NSF-58, NSF-401 certified
Removes 23 contaminants:
+18 more
Molybdenum, Barium, Chlorine, Arsenic, 83+ contaminants, Calcium, Chloride, Copper, Magnesium, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids, Zinc, Total THMs, Chloroform, Nitrate (as N)
AquaTru
Carafe
NSF Certified:
Flow Rate
0.3 gpm
Daily Production
4 gpd
Highlights:
- Verified PFAS reduction
- Glass collection vessel
- Plug-and-play installation
- NSF-53, NSF-42, NSF-58, NSF-401, NSF-372 certified
Removes 17 contaminants:
+12 more
Arsenic, 83+ contaminants, Copper, Total THMs, Chloroform, Chloride, Sulfate, Nitrate (as N), Molybdenum, Barium, Strontium, Uranium
Waterdrop
G3 P600
NSF Certified:
Flow Rate
600 gpm
Daily Production
600 gpd
Highlights:
- Space-saving design
- Good contaminant reduction
- NSF-58 certified
Removes 4 contaminants:
Waterdrop
G3 P800
NSF Certified:
Flow Rate
800 gpm
Daily Production
800 gpd
Highlights:
- High water production rate
- Modern design
- No tank needed
- NSF-42, NSF-53, NSF-58, NSF-372 certified
Removes 15 contaminants:
+10 more
Chlorine, Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium, Total Dissolved Solids, Nitrate, Chloride, Sodium, Strontium
Filters for what DeKalb reported
Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing
With 3 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$269
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test
$275
Tests for disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water treatment.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$829
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
With 3 contaminants above health guidelines, you may want to explore water purification options. Learn how to make distilled water at home for applications like humidifiers, CPAP machines, and baby formula.
What DeKalb's water readings can explain
Utility-reported data for DeKalb includes iron, manganese and sulfate — the readings behind these common tap water questions. We publish a city-level hardness figure for DeKalb, resolved from its water systems where they report one and estimated from county sampling where they do not. Each page starts with the hot-tap and cold-tap check, then shows what your own water system reported.
On a private well near DeKalb? Public-water results do not apply to private wells. See DeKalb County well water testing and USGS risk data — modeled arsenic, nitrate, and the tests to run.
What a water softener costs for DeKalb's water
DeKalb's tap water measures 19.9 grains per gallon (340.0 mg/L) — very hard on the USGS scale, the range where scale on fixtures and appliances is the usual complaint.
Water softener cost for 19.9 gpg water in DeKalb — equipment and local installation labour for your ZIP code, with the sizing arithmetic shown in full. For the national picture first, read what a water softener costs — equipment, installation labour and ten-year ownership, each separated out.
Frequently Asked Questions About DeKalb Tap Water
DeKalb's water has 30 MCL violations on record at one of its 4 water systems. A violation means an enforceable federal limit was actually exceeded, which is a different thing from a result sitting above a health goal — it is the case where the number genuinely matters, and a filter certified for the contaminant involved is worth considering.
Spotted something off on this page?
Residents keep our data honest.
Check another location
Stay Informed About Your Water Quality
Get EPA reports, filter recommendations, and safety alerts for your area.
Weekly water-quality guidance for your area. Unsubscribe anytime.