Tap Water Results

Is Buffalo Grove, IL tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Buffalo Grove Water System.

2 public water systems serve parts of Buffalo Grove. The largest, Buffalo Grove Water System, serves 43,212 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Buffalo Grove Water System

43,212 people · Purchased surface water · EPA ID IL0314180

Buys treated water from Northwest Water Commission, Arlington Heights Water System, Lcpw – Pekara Subdivision.

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 1.3 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Illinois, 13 of 479 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 18 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Illinois results.

Buffalo Grove homes and lead pipes

45%
of homes built before 1980 (Illinois 64%, US 50%)
2%
built before 1950 (Illinois 26%)
20%
of households rent (Illinois 33%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Buffalo Grove village (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Buffalo Grove

  • Illinois American Water – Chicago Suburban
    11,187 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · reported ZIPs here
    No PFAS above limits

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Wheeling 3 mi
Wheeling Water System
Wheeling Water SystemNone above limits1.21 ppb
Vernon Hills 5 mi
Vernon Hills – Lake County Public Works
Vernon Hills – Lake County Public WorksNone above limits0 ppb
Arlington Heights 5 mi
Arlington Heights Water System
Arlington Heights Water SystemNone above limits7.6 ppb
Palatine 5 mi
Palatine Water System
Palatine Water SystemNone above limits8.9 ppb
Northbrook 7 mi
Northbrook Water System
Northbrook Water SystemNone above limits11 ppb
Mount Prospect 7 mi
Mount Prospect Water System
Mount Prospect Water SystemNone above limits2.22 ppb
Buffalo Grove ZIP codes (1)
  • 60089

Questions

Is Buffalo Grove tap water safe to drink?

Buffalo Grove Water System has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Buffalo Grove, IL?

2 public water systems serve parts of Buffalo Grove. The largest is Buffalo Grove Water System (43,212 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Buffalo Grove tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Buffalo Grove Water System had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Buffalo Grove homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 45% of Buffalo Grove homes as built before 1980 (Illinois: 64%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Buffalo Grove Water System's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.