Chicago
Is Chicago tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — Chicago scores 44/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in Chicago. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 02:30 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 44/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Manganese 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 44/100.
How many water systems serve Chicago?
Chicago is served by 2 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 44 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.
What are the top contaminants in Chicago?
The top contaminants detected in Chicago include Manganese, Fluoride, Chromium (Total). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Chicago Water Quality Summary
Chicago, IL receives a water quality score of 44/100 (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 44 is 25 points below the Illinois state average of 69, 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 (2)
Check 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