Chicago, Illinois Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: City of Chicago
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
High Priority Concerns
Chicago tap water has 13 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Bromodichloromethane. Additionally, 11 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Bromodichloromethane.
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 19.10 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 25.70 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromodichloromethane carcinogen | 8.39 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 12.40 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Dibromochloromethane carcinogen | 5.01 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Trichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 4.97 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 6.49 ppb | 0.20 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chloroform carcinogen | 12.30 ppb | 0.40 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 0.90 ppb | 0.03 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.89 pCi/L | 0.05 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.19 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 0.30 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 0.30 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| 4-Androstene-3,17-dione | 0.17 ppt | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Barium | 19.70 ppb | 700 ppb | 2,000 ppb | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.66 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Molybdenum | 1.07 ppb | 40 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.12 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Testosterone | 0.03 ppt | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 0.24 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Bromodichloromethane carcinogen
Bromodichloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) disinfection byproduct that damages liver and kidneys with chronic exposure. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen based on animal carcinogenicity data.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Dibromochloromethane carcinogen
Dibromochloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) that may increase cancer risk and cause liver and kidney damage with chronic exposure at elevated levels.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
Echo RO System
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago tap water safe to drink?
Chicago tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 13 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 11 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Chicago water?
A total of 20 contaminants were detected in Chicago tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Of these, 13 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Chicago?
For Chicago tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Chicago get its water?
Chicago tap water is provided by City of Chicago, serving approximately 2,746,388 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
