Is West Chicago, 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 West Chicago Water System.
West Chicago Water System supplies West Chicago (25,166 people).
Water system
West Chicago Water System
25,166 people · Groundwater · EPA ID IL0430900
| 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: 0.52 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.
West Chicago homes and lead pipes
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 West Chicago city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.
How nearby cities compare
| City | PFAS | Lead (90th pct.) |
|---|---|---|
| Carol Stream 5 mi Carol Stream Water System | None above limits | 1.05 ppb |
| St. Charles 5 mi St Charles Water System | None above limits | 3.9 ppb |
| Bartlett 5 mi Bartlett Water System | None above limits | 20 ppb |
| Batavia 6 mi Batavia Water System | None above limits | 3.82 ppb |
| Wheaton 6 mi Wheaton Water System | None above limits | 2.32 ppb |
| Hanover Park 7 mi Hanover Park Water System | None above limits | 2.47 ppb |
West Chicago ZIP codes (1)
- 60185
Questions
Is West Chicago tap water safe to drink?
West Chicago 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 West Chicago, IL?
West Chicago Water System, which serves 25,166 people.
Does West Chicago tap water have PFAS?
None detected above EPA's reporting limits. West Chicago 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 West Chicago homes have lead pipes?
Census estimates put 50% of West Chicago 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. West Chicago 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.