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Water Quality Report

Princeton, IL

Bureau County · 7,832 residents · 1 water system

10

Contaminants detected

0

PFAS compounds

326

Hardness (mg/L)

1

Above legal limits

1

Above health guidelines

Princeton drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 10 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, and 6 others. PFAS testing has been conducted with no detections. Water hardness is 326 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Princeton water

Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.

Lead0.021 / 0.015 mg/L
140% of EPA limit
Nitrate0.21 / 10 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0059 / 0.01 mg/L
59% of EPA limit
Copper3.2 / 1300 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
3% of EPA limit
16% of EPA limit
Barium0.0039 / 2 mg/L
0% of EPA limit
Chromium (total)0.0048 / 0.1 mg/L
5% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.681 / 4 mg/L
17% of EPA limit
Phosphorus Total467 ug/L
Unregulated
PFAS (tested — none detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Bureau County

Water quality reports for nearby Illinois communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Princeton, IL tap water safe to drink?
Princeton tap water has 1 contaminant currently measured above EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels), and 1 above independent health guidelines. 10 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes. View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels, how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines, and what actions to take.
What contaminants are in Princeton water?
Monitoring has detected 10 contaminants in Princeton's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Barium, Chromium (total), Fluoride, Phosphorus Total. 1 of these are above EPA legal limits. 1 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Princeton water have PFAS?
Princeton's water has been tested for PFAS compounds with no detections. Testing was conducted as part of the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) program.
Is Princeton water hard?
Yes. Princeton water has a hardness of 326 mg/L (very hard). Hard water is not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in water heaters and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave mineral deposits. Water softeners or conditioning systems can address hardness.
Where does Princeton get its drinking water?
Princeton's drinking water comes from groundwater wells that draw from underground aquifers. The water is treated and tested according to Illinois EPA and EPA requirements before distribution. Princeton is served by one water system: PRINCETON.

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