C46/100
North Chicago Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,813 residents · Illinois
What's In North Chicago's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: June 20, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
NORTH CHICAGO
Population Served
16,813
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IL0971250
Frequently Asked Questions About North Chicago Water
Is North Chicago tap water safe to drink?
North Chicago, Illinois tap water receives a grade of C (46/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 35 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in North Chicago's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in North 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 North Chicago have any water quality violations?
Yes, North Chicago has 35 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in North Chicago?
North 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 North Chicago's tap water come from?
North Chicago's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by NORTH CHICAGO. The system serves approximately 16,813 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is North 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. North 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 North Chicago's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
North Chicago's water quality score of 46/100 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 North Chicago's water quality?
If you have concerns about North 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 (NORTH CHICAGO) 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.