Chicago
Is Chicago tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — Chicago scores 39/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 8 local systems in Chicago. We found 935 total violations (123 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 05:00 PM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Chicago.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Chicago?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Wondering if Chicago tap water needs filtering? We break it down.
Baby Formula Safety
Mixing baby formula with Chicago tap water? Read this first.
Homebuyer's Perspective
If you're house-hunting in Chicago, water quality belongs on your due-diligence checklist alongside schools and crime data. With a score of 39/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Chicago
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — Chicago scores 39/100.
How many water systems serve Chicago?
Chicago is served by 8 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Chicago?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Chicago.
What is the water quality score for Chicago?
The water quality score for Chicago is 39 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 8 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Chicago?
The top contaminants detected in Chicago include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Chicago Water Quality Summary
Chicago, IL receives a water quality score of 39/100 (Grade F) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 8 public water systems serving the area.
Chicago's water quality score is below the national average, indicating a history of EPA violations or elevated contaminant levels. Residents are encouraged to check their specific water system report and consider additional filtration.
Chicago's score of 39 is 27 points below the Illinois state average of 66, and below the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
Living in a major metro area like Chicago means relying on an infrastructure of multiple water systems that are currently failing to meet high quality standards. This low rating reflects the environmental challenges of Illinois, where a dense Midwestern urban hub sits in a state that also contains agricultural downstate regions. For prospective homebuyers and current residents, these poor marks suggest that tap water quality is a serious consideration, requiring extra vigilance and independent monitoring at the tap.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Illinois water quality rankings report →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Chicago (8)
Chicago
CFeatherock Mhp
CBlue Diamond Rainbow Sw Plaza Water
FHighland Park Hospital
FNorthshore University Evanston
CBlackhawk Estates Llc
CSwedish Covenant Hospital
FU Of I Chicago Medical Center
DCheck Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Chicago.
Related
Quick compare in Illinois
Compare Chicago water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality