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Water Quality Report

North Chicago, IL

Lake County · 16,813 residents · 1 water system

9

Contaminants detected

4

PFAS compounds

50

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

1

Above health guidelines

North Chicago 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 North Chicago water. Water hardness is 50 mg/L (soft), which is within a typical range for the region.

Contaminants detected in North Chicago water

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

Lead0.0036 / 0.015 mg/L
24% of EPA limit
Nitrate0.4 / 10 mg/L
4% of EPA limit
Copper7.3 / 1300 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes58.2 / 80 ug/L
73% of EPA limit
24% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)0.9 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Barium0.021 / 2 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.567 / 4 mg/L
14% of EPA limit
Toc2.5 mg/L
Unregulated
PFAS (4 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Lake County

Water quality reports for nearby Illinois communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is North Chicago, IL tap water safe to drink?
North Chicago 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 North Chicago water?
Monitoring has detected 9 contaminants in North Chicago'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 North Chicago water have PFAS?
Yes. 4 PFAS compounds have been detected in North Chicago'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.
Where does North Chicago get its drinking water?
North Chicago's drinking water comes from surface water sources. The water is treated and tested according to Illinois EPA and EPA requirements before distribution. North Chicago is served by one water system: NORTH CHICAGO.

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