Is Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights Water System.
Chicago Heights Water System supplies Chicago Heights (26,184 people).
Water system
Chicago Heights Water System
26,184 people · Purchased surface water · EPA ID IL0310450
Buys treated water from Hammond Water Works Department.
| PFAS | Highest average | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFOS Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| PFNA Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
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: 5.86 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, 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.
Chicago Heights homes and lead pipes
Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.
Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Chicago Heights city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.
How nearby cities compare
| City | PFAS | Lead (90th pct.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lansing 6 mi Lansing Water System | None above limits | 5.5 ppb |
| Calumet City 8 mi Calumet City Water System | None above limits | 11 ppb |
| Oak Forest 9 mi Oak Forest Water System | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Tinley Park 10 mi Tinley Park Water System | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Orland Park 13 mi Orland Park Water System | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Oak Lawn 15 mi Oak Lawn Water System | None above limits | 9.3 ppb |
Chicago Heights ZIP codes (1)
- 60411
Questions
Is Chicago Heights tap water safe to drink?
Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights, IL?
Chicago Heights Water System, which serves 26,184 people.
Does Chicago Heights tap water have PFAS?
None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights homes have lead pipes?
Census estimates put 86% of Chicago Heights 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. Chicago Heights 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.