C46/100
NORTH CHICAGO — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 16,813 people · Illinois
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
IL0971250
Violations
35
Contaminant Test Results
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
Frequently Asked Questions About NORTH CHICAGO
Is NORTH CHICAGO water safe to drink?
NORTH CHICAGO water receives a grade of C (46/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 35 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has NORTH CHICAGO detected?
69 contaminants were tested in NORTH CHICAGO's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does NORTH CHICAGO have any EPA violations?
Yes, NORTH CHICAGO has 35 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 4 are health-based violations.
How many people does NORTH CHICAGO serve?
NORTH CHICAGO serves approximately 16,813 people, Illinois. The system provides water to 1 community: North Chicago.
What type of water does NORTH CHICAGO provide?
NORTH CHICAGO sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is IL0971250.
How does NORTH CHICAGO compare to other utilities in Illinois?
NORTH CHICAGO scores 46/100 with a grade of C (fair). This score indicates room for improvement compared to other utilities. Visit our Illinois state page for a full comparison of water systems.