Chicago
Chicago, Illinois · PWSID: IL0316000
Detected Contaminants
| Contaminant | Detected Level | MCL (Limit) | Status | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform (TCR) | 2.5 % positive | 5 % positive | Within Limit | Jul 1, 2016 |
| Chlorine | 2 ppm | 4 ppm | Within Limit | Oct 1, 2016 |
| Atrazine | 1.5 ppb | 3 ppb | Within Limit | Jan 1, 2019 |
| Benzene | 2.5 ppb | 5 ppb | Within Limit | Jan 1, 2019 |
| Combined Filter Effluent | 0.5 NTU | 1 NTU | Within Limit | Dec 30, 2021 |
| E. coli (RTCR) | 0 presence | 0 presence | Within Limit | Jun 15, 2025 |
Violation History
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago has a Water Safety Score of C (72/100). The system serves 2,746,388 people and has 0 health violations on record. Check the contaminant table above for specific detected substances.
Chicago has 0 contaminant exceedances above EPA health guidelines. See the full contaminant detection table above for all tested substances and their levels relative to legal limits and health guidelines.
The Water Safety Score (0-100, grades A through F) is based on contaminant levels relative to legal limits, health guideline exceedances, violation history, and enforcement actions. Higher scores indicate fewer concerns.
If your water system has violations, request the Consumer Confidence Report from your utility, consider getting an independent water test from a certified lab, and look into certified water filters for specific contaminants of concern. For lead, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking.
Water quality data sourced from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Safety scores are calculated based on contaminant levels, violations, and enforcement history. This is not a substitute for your utility's official Consumer Confidence Report.