A92/100
DES PLAINES — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 60,675 people · Illinois
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
County
—
System ID
IL0310630
Violations
5
Contaminant Test Results
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.009 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
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: Resolving — corrective action underway
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: October 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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
Frequently Asked Questions About DES PLAINES
Is DES PLAINES water safe to drink?
DES PLAINES water receives a grade of A (92/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed non-enforceable health goals. The water meets federal safety standards.
What contaminants has DES PLAINES detected?
69 contaminants were tested in DES PLAINES's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does DES PLAINES have any EPA violations?
Yes, DES PLAINES has 5 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, Other, MR.
How many people does DES PLAINES serve?
DES PLAINES serves approximately 60,675 people, Illinois. The system provides water to 1 community: Des Plaines.
What type of water does DES PLAINES provide?
DES PLAINES sources its water from purchased surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is IL0310630.
How does DES PLAINES compare to other utilities in Illinois?
DES PLAINES scores 92/100 with a grade of A (excellent). This places it among the higher-performing utilities in the state. Visit our Illinois state page for a full comparison of water systems.