Skip to content

Water Quality Report

Evanston, IL

Cook County · 74,486 residents · 1 water system

9

Contaminants detected

4

PFAS compounds

130

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

1

Above health guidelines

Evanston drinking water comes from surface water. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 9 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, and 5 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Evanston water. Water hardness is 130 mg/L (hard), which is within a typical range for the region.

Contaminants detected in Evanston water

Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.

Lead0.0065 / 0.015 mg/L
43% of EPA limit
Nitrate0.34 / 10 mg/L
3% of EPA limit
Copper30 / 1300 ug/L
2% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes28.1 / 80 ug/L
35% of EPA limit
30% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)0.9 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Barium0.021 / 2 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.624 / 4 mg/L
16% of EPA limit
Toc2.3 mg/L
Unregulated
PFAS (4 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Cook County

Water quality reports for nearby Illinois communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Evanston, IL tap water safe to drink?
Evanston tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 1 contaminant is present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 9 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
What contaminants are in Evanston water?
Monitoring has detected 9 contaminants in Evanston's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), Barium, Fluoride, Toc. Additionally, 4 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 1 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Evanston water have PFAS?
Yes. 4 PFAS compounds have been detected in Evanston's water supply at trace levels. PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. The EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for several PFAS compounds. View the detailed report for specific concentrations.
Is Evanston water hard?
Yes. Evanston water has a hardness of 130 mg/L (hard). Hard water is not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in water heaters and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave mineral deposits. Water softeners or conditioning systems can address hardness.
Where does Evanston get its drinking water?
Evanston's drinking water comes from surface water sources. The water is treated and tested according to Illinois EPA and EPA requirements before distribution. Evanston is served by one water system: EVANSTON.

Check your water quality

Enter your address for a detailed report specific to your water system.

On a private well? Search your address for nearby groundwater monitoring data.

Free water assessment in Evanston.

Schedule an onsite consultation.