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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.
Comprehensive water safety analysis • Updated April 2026
North Chicago's water meets EPA standards, though 0 contaminant(s) are elevated above 50% of limits.
•All 2 historical violation(s) in North Chicago have been resolved.
Generally Safe. North Chicago's tap water meets EPA standards. Score: 85/100.
Want to understand your score better? Learn how scores are calculated →
8 contaminants tested • EPA SDWIS data • Click any contaminant for details
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes | 17.71 ug/L | 80.00 ug/L | 22.1% | Safe |
| Fluoride | 0.624 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 15.6% | Safe |
| Copper | 0.173 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | 13.3% | Safe |
| Mercury | 0.0002 mg/L | 0.0020 mg/L | 12.2% | Safe |
| Nitrite | 0.073 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 7.3% | Safe |
| Arsenic | 0.0007 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 6.7% | Safe |
| Nitrate | 0.403 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 4.0% | Safe |
| Haloacetic Acids | 1.63 ug/L | 60.00 ug/L | 2.7% | Safe |
In-depth assessment of your municipal water supply
The water quality in North Chicago, Illinois has been comprehensively evaluated using data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) and local water utility reports. Our analysis examines 8 distinct contaminants across multiple categories including inorganic chemicals, disinfection byproducts, microorganisms, and radionuclides. With an overall quality score of 85 out of 100 (Grade: A-), North Chicago's water supply demonstrates strong compliance with federal drinking water standards.
North Chicago's primary water system, NORTH CHICAGO WATER SYSTEM, serves approximately 31,583 residents. The water is sourced from a combination of surface and groundwater sources. Groundwater is generally naturally filtered through soil and rock layers, though it may contain elevated levels of minerals and naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic or radon.
Of the 8 contaminants analyzed in North Chicago's water supply, 8 (100%) are present at safe levels below 50% of EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). No contaminants currently exceed EPA safety limits. The most common categories of concern in municipal water supplies include disinfection byproducts formed during the chlorination process, heavy metals like lead that can leach from aging infrastructure, and naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic or radium that vary by geographic region.
North Chicago's water system has a compliance history with 2 documented EPA violations. All historical violations have been addressed and resolved. Violations can range from monitoring and reporting failures to actual exceedances of contaminant limits. Water utilities are required by law to notify customers of any violations that may affect health and to take corrective action to return to compliance.
Water quality at the tap can differ from quality at the treatment plant due to distribution system conditions. Homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or lead solder in plumbing that can contribute to lead exposure. Older galvanized pipes can harbor bacteria and release metals. Running cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking helps flush stagnant water from pipes. Residents in older homes should consider testing their water directly at the tap to assess any additional contamination from household plumbing, as EPA monitoring typically occurs at distribution points rather than individual residences.
Understanding potential health effects for residents
Certain groups face elevated health risks from water contaminants and should take extra precautions. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable as contaminants like lead and nitrates can affect fetal development, potentially causing developmental delays and birth defects. Infants and young children are at heightened risk because their developing bodies absorb contaminants more readily and are more susceptible to their effects; lead exposure in children can cause irreversible cognitive impairment and behavioral problems. Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems (including cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and HIV/AIDS patients) are more susceptible to waterborne pathogens and may experience severe illness from microorganisms that healthy adults can tolerate. Individuals with kidney disease should be aware of fluoride and other mineral levels, as impaired kidney function affects the body's ability to filter these substances.
Arsenic has been detected in North Chicago's water supply. Long-term arsenic exposure, even at levels near EPA limits, is associated with increased risk of skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers. Arsenic exposure can also cause cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological effects. Skin changes like thickening and pigmentation may indicate chronic exposure. Reverse osmosis filtration is highly effective at removing arsenic from drinking water.
Elevated nitrate levels in North Chicago's water pose particular risk to infants under six months. Nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome"), a condition where the blood cannot carry sufficient oxygen. Symptoms include bluish skin color, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, death. Formula-fed infants are at greatest risk. Pregnant women should also limit nitrate exposure. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrates—it actually concentrates them. Reverse osmosis or distillation systems effectively remove nitrates.
Based on North Chicago's water quality profile, residents should consider the following protective measures: While water quality is generally good, filtration remains beneficial for removing trace contaminants. Always use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water can contain higher levels of metals from pipes. Have your home tested if it was built before 1986 to check for lead plumbing. Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report (water quality report) from your utility to stay informed about local water quality trends. Pregnant women, families with young children, and immunocompromised individuals should consult healthcare providers about water safety precautions specific to their situation.
Based on detected contaminants
Best for North Chicago. Removes 95-99% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and nitrates.
Good for North Chicago. Removes chlorine, improves taste, and filters many organic compounds.
Past violations for North Chicago's water system
monitoring
Nitrite - 2/3/2025
ResolvedMCL
Nitrate - 2/4/2022
ResolvedNorth Chicago Water Quality Score
Based on EPA contaminant data and compliance records
Even with good water quality, many families choose to filter their water for extra peace of mind.
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Based on contaminants detected in your water, these resources may be helpful:
Explore detailed information about each contaminant detected in North Chicago's water:
View All Contaminants →Find the right filter for your North Chicago water quality needs:
Understand the contaminants that may be present in North Chicago's water supply and their health effects.
Understand your water better with our in-depth guides on contaminants, filtration, and water safety.
Yes, North Chicago's tap water generally meets EPA safety standards with a quality score of 85/100 (Grade A-). However, individual home conditions may vary.
North Chicago's water has been tested for 8 contaminants. All tested contaminants are within safe limits.
Based on North Chicago's water quality profile, we recommend a reverse osmosis system for the most comprehensive filtration. View our water filter comparison for recommendations.
North Chicago's primary water system (NORTH CHICAGO WATER SYSTEM) sources water from a combination of sources, serving 31,583 residents.