TapSafetyReport
D35/100

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

Serving 26,370 residents · Indiana

What's In East Chicago's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.008 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

9

Violations (last 5yr)

1

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring violation

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

When: September 1, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
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: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 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: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

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

When: March 1, 2024 – April 25, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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: January 1, 2024 – January 22, 2025Rule: Ground Water 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: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 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: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2022 – August 15, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Other Violation

When: May 1, 2021 – April 4, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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

EAST CHICAGO WATER WORKS
Population Served

26,370

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

IN5245012

Frequently Asked Questions About East Chicago Water

Is East Chicago tap water safe to drink?

East Chicago, Indiana tap water receives a grade of D (35/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 58 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in East Chicago's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in East 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 East Chicago have any water quality violations?

Yes, East Chicago has 58 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, MR, Other. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in East Chicago?

East 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 East Chicago's tap water come from?

East Chicago's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by EAST CHICAGO WATER WORKS. The system serves approximately 26,370 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is East 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. East 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 East Chicago's water compare to other cities in Indiana?

East Chicago's water quality score of 35/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Indiana state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

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

If you have concerns about East 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 (EAST CHICAGO WATER WORKS) 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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