A86/100
Great Lakes Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 23,000 residents · Illinois
What's In Great Lakes's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
GREAT LAKES NAVAL TRAINING STATION
Population Served
23,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IL0975227
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Water
Is Great Lakes tap water safe to drink?
Great Lakes, Illinois tap water receives a grade of A (86/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Great Lakes's water?
69 contaminants were tested in Great Lakes's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Great Lakes have any water quality violations?
Yes, Great Lakes has 10 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Great Lakes?
Great Lakes 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Great Lakes's tap water come from?
Great Lakes's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GREAT LAKES NAVAL TRAINING STATION. The system serves approximately 23,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Great Lakes'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. Great Lakes'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 Great Lakes's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Great Lakes's water quality score of 86/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Great Lakes among the better-performing water systems in Illinois. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Great Lakes's water quality?
If you have concerns about Great Lakes'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 (GREAT LAKES NAVAL TRAINING STATION) 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.