TapSafetyReport
C41/100

Chicago Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 2,748,670 residents · Illinois

What's In Chicago's Tap Water?

76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.009 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

10

Violations (last 5yr)

2

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 2, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: June 15, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2021 – February 1, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – August 5, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

FEATHEROCK MHP
Population Served

1,044

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

FL6291541

CHICAGO
Population Served

2,746,388

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IL0316000

BLACKHAWK ESTATES LLC
Population Served

1,238

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

IL0317765

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Water

Is Chicago tap water safe to drink?

Chicago, Illinois tap water receives a grade of C (41/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 107 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Chicago's water?

Of the 76 contaminants tested in Chicago's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Chicago have any water quality violations?

Yes, Chicago has 107 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, Other, MR. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Chicago?

Chicago water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Chicago's tap water come from?

Chicago's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by FEATHEROCK MHP and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 2,748,670 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Chicago's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Chicago's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Chicago's water compare to other cities in Illinois?

Chicago's water quality score of 41/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Chicago's water quality?

If you have concerns about Chicago's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (FEATHEROCK MHP) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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