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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Real EPA measurements of pfas (forever chemicals) for Illinois water systems — UCMR5 monitoring 2023–2026. Methodology
These cities have pfas (forever chemicals) levels above the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 0.000004 mg/L
These cities have pfas (forever chemicals) levels above 50% of the EPA limit but within compliance
| City | Level | % of Limit | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford | 6.60 ppt | 66.0% | 147,051 |
Every Illinois system with a pfas (forever chemicals) result in EPA's data, sorted by level. 0 ppt = no regulated PFAS above the ~3–5 ppt reporting limit, not proven zero.
| City | Level | Period | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GalesburgGrade C | 14.00 pptPFOA max | 2023-01-18 → 2023-08-24 | 4.00 ppt | 350.0% | Exceeds Limit |
| PeoriaGrade B | 6.50 pptPFOS max | 2023-11-01 → 2024-08-01 | 4.00 ppt | 162.5% | Exceeds Limit |
| RockfordGrade C | 6.60 pptPFHxS max | 2023-10-09 → 2025-10-15 | 10.00 ppt | 66.0% | Warning |
| ChicagoGrade B | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-01-08 → 2024-10-08 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| AuroraGrade D | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-05-22 → 2025-02-11 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| JolietGrade D | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2025-02-19 → 2025-08-14 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| NapervilleGrade B | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-01-02 → 2024-10-01 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| ChampaignGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-11-07 → 2024-06-24 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| SpringfieldGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-02-15 → 2023-11-02 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| ElginGrade D | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-04-18 → 2025-10-13 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| WaukeganGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-05-21 → 2025-03-12 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| CiceroGrade B | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-01-25 → 2024-02-08 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| BloomingtonGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-05-19 → 2024-02-02 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| DecaturGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-02-13 → 2024-11-12 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| SchaumburgGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-05-16 → 2024-02-06 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| EvanstonGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-06-06 → 2024-03-07 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| Arlington HeightsGrade B | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-12-12 → 2024-09-24 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| PalatineGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-04-10 → 2024-01-09 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| SkokieGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2025-03-10 → 2026-02-02 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| Des PlainesGrade B | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-05-06 → 2025-02-13 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| Oak LawnGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-03-13 → 2024-12-11 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| Orland ParkGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-07-26 → 2024-04-05 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| BerwynGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2024-11-21 → 2025-02-25 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| Tinley ParkGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2023-05-11 → 2024-02-08 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
| Oak ParkGrade A | 0 pptPFOA/PFOS max | 2025-01-21 → 2025-10-10 | 4.00 ppt | 0.0% | Safe |
Showing 25 of 56 cities. View individual city pages for detailed reports.
PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. These chemicals accumulate over time and have been linked to increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women, and potential increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers. Long-term exposure may affect growth, learning, and behavior in children.
Firefighting foams, non-stick cookware manufacturing, waterproof clothing production, industrial facilities
Based on our analysis of EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data and local water utility reports,pfas (forever chemicals) has been detected in 56 Illinois water systems. The average level across all tested cities is 10% of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with the highest detection at 350.0% of the limit.
Warning: 2 Illinois cities exceed the EPA limit for pfas (forever chemicals). Residents in these areas should consider water filtration options and consult with their local water utility.
In 2024, the EPA established MCLs of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS. The EPA MCL for pfas (forever chemicals) is 0.000004 mg/L. This limit is set to protect public health based on available scientific evidence about the contaminant's health effects.
56 Illinois cities have pfas (forever chemicals) detected in their water supply. Of these, 2 cities exceed EPA safety limits.
Thyroid disease, increased cholesterol, immune system effects, increased cancer risk. The most vulnerable groups include pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The most effective methods for removing pfas (forever chemicals) include Reverse Osmosis, Activated Carbon (Granular), Ion Exchange Resins. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI for pfas (forever chemicals) reduction.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for pfas (forever chemicals) is 0.000004 mg/L.In 2024, the EPA established MCLs of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS.
This page shows what Illinois utilities reported for pfas (forever chemicals). It cannot tell you what is coming out of your own tap: utility samples are taken across a whole system and averaged, levels vary by address and season, and anything picked up after the water leaves the main never appears in their report.
Home water test kitscheck your own tap before buying any filterRecommended filtration methods for pfas (forever chemicals) removal:
Removes 90-99% of PFAS
Must be high-quality GAC
Specifically designed for PFAS
Paid links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Filters are matched to the removal methods listed above for pfas (forever chemicals).