Chicago Tap Water
Water provider: Chicago Department of Water Management (Chicago, IL)
Our recommendation
Premium filter strongly recommended
Your water has contaminants that require stronger filtration (heavy metals, PFAS, or limits exceeded). Reverse osmosis is the recommended tier.
See recommended water filters →What is in the water
Lead
Exceeded limitA heavy metal that leaches from older plumbing. No safe exposure level for children. Linked to developmental and cognitive harm.
Reported: detected above 15 ppb action level in 5% of high-risk samples
Chicago has an estimated 400,000+ lead service lines, the most of any US city. Run tap 2-3 minutes after long non-use and use a lead-certified filter.
Trihalomethanes (THMs)
DetectedDisinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Long-term exposure linked to cancer risk.
Reported: ~25 ppb
Chlorine
Within limitsAdded to disinfect water. Generally safe at treatment levels but reacts with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts.
Source
Data from the Chicago Water Quality Report (2023). Last reviewed 2024-11-01.
Note: Contaminant levels vary by address (older plumbing can leach lead even when the source water does not), sampling location, and time of year. The figures above reflect utility-wide averages from the most recent public report. If you have specific health concerns, request a full report from your utility or test your own tap water.