B

WaterZen Rating

Lead and copper levels in the drinking water of some cities across the United States are too high, potentially creating public-health issues for the people living in those areas.

What about Chicago Water? How much lead and copper are in your drinking water? And how do those levels compare to other cities in the state? We examined data from hundreds of cities across the nation to understand and grade your water quality.

As you can see, Chicago Water received an above-average grade because the amounts of contaminants found in the water supply were lower than most other water providers we've analyzed.

According to Chicago Water, water samples were taken in 2018. For more details, you can download the annual water-quality report (also known as the Consumer Confidence Report) here.

To take more action to improve your water quality, check out our guides for the various water-testing and filtration options on the market: water pitchers, filtered water bottles, TDS meters, reverse-osmosis filters, under-sink filters, and whole-house water filters.

Chicago has multiple water providers: Chicago Water and North Maine Utilities. This page provides water quality information for Chicago Water.

B

WaterZen Rating

Lead and copper levels in the drinking water of some cities across the United States are too high, potentially creating public-health issues for the people living in those areas.

What about Chicago Water? How much lead and copper are in your drinking water? And how do those levels compare to other cities in the state? We examined data from hundreds of cities across the nation to understand and grade your water quality.

As you can see, Chicago Water received an above-average grade because the amounts of contaminants found in the water supply were lower than most other water providers we've analyzed.

According to Chicago Water, water samples were taken in 2018. For more details, you can download the annual water-quality report (also known as the Consumer Confidence Report) here.

To take more action to improve your water quality, check out our guides for the various water-testing and filtration options on the market: water pitchers, filtered water bottles, TDS meters, reverse-osmosis filters, under-sink filters, and whole-house water filters.

Chicago has multiple water providers: Chicago Water and North Maine Utilities. This page provides water quality information for Chicago Water.

Lead and Copper Levels in the Water

Lead and copper contamination of drinking water most often occurs when service pipes corrode. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder.

Lead

The level of Lead is higher than the Public Health Goal and higher than most water providers.

View details →
Lowest
Average
Highest
0
Health Goal
(MCLG)
15
Legal limit
(MCL)
9.1
Chicago Water

Copper

The level of Copper is higher than the Public Health Goal and lower than most water providers.

View details →
Lowest
Average
Highest
1.3
Legal limit
(MCL)
0.091
Chicago Water

Ranking of Illinois Cities

How does Chicago Water quality compare to other cities in the state?

We compiled and analyzed the levels of contaminant in the water of cities throughout the state, averaged those two numbers for each city, and ranked them accordingly. The grade reflects how each city's overall water quality compares to other cities.

Ranking of Similarly-Sized US Cities

How does Chicago Water quality compare to other cities with similar populations?

We've compiled and analyzed contaminant data from water providers which serve similar populations to Chicago Water.

Ranking of Large US Cities

How does Chicago Water quality compare to large US cities?

We've compiled and analyzed contaminant data from the largest water providers in the country (by population served).

Notice

If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.

Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that information you receive from WaterZen is correct and has been verified. Double-check all information with independent sources.