Tap Water Results

Is Northbrook, 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 Northbrook Water System.

5 public water systems serve parts of Northbrook. The largest, Northbrook Water System, serves 34,200 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Northbrook Water System

34,200 people · Surface water · EPA ID IL0312070

Buys treated water from Glenview Water System, Glencoe Water System, Highland Park Water System.

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: 11 ppb at the 90th percentile (Jun 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Near 2027 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.

Northbrook homes and lead pipes

60%
of homes built before 1980 (Illinois 64%, US 50%)
7%
built before 1950 (Illinois 26%)
13%
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 Northbrook village (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Northbrook

  • Illinois American Water – Chicago Suburban
    11,187 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · reported ZIPs here
    No PFAS above limits
  • Harbor Point Estates MHP
    1,064 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Glenbrook Sanitary District
    822 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · reported ZIPs here
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Cambridge Courts MHP
    658 people · Purchased surface water · Illinois · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Glenview 3 mi
Glenview Water System
Glenview Water SystemNone above limits10 ppb
Highland Park 4 mi
Highland Park Water System
Highland Park Water SystemNone above limits11 ppb
Wheeling 4 mi
Wheeling Water System
Wheeling Water SystemNone above limits1.21 ppb
Wilmette 7 mi
Wilmette Water System
Wilmette Water SystemNone above limits6 ppb
Mount Prospect 7 mi
Mount Prospect Water System
Mount Prospect Water SystemNone above limits2.22 ppb
Buffalo Grove 7 mi
Buffalo Grove Water System
Buffalo Grove Water SystemNone above limits1.3 ppb
Northbrook ZIP codes (1)
  • 60062

Questions

Is Northbrook tap water safe to drink?

Northbrook 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 Northbrook, IL?

5 public water systems serve parts of Northbrook. The largest is Northbrook Water System (34,200 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Northbrook tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Northbrook 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 Northbrook homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 60% of Northbrook 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. Northbrook 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.