Tap Water Results

Is Wheeling, 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 Wheeling Water System.

2 public water systems serve parts of Wheeling. The largest, Wheeling Water System, serves 39,725 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Wheeling Water System

39,725 people · Purchased surface water · EPA ID IL0314970

Buys treated water from Northwest Water Commission.

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: 1.21 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: 1

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.

Wheeling homes and lead pipes

51%
of homes built before 1980 (Illinois 64%, US 50%)
4%
built before 1950 (Illinois 26%)
37%
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. 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 Wheeling village (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Wheeling

  • 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.)
Buffalo Grove 3 mi
Buffalo Grove Water System
Buffalo Grove Water SystemNone above limits1.3 ppb
Arlington Heights 4 mi
Arlington Heights Water System
Arlington Heights Water SystemNone above limits7.6 ppb
Northbrook 4 mi
Northbrook Water System
Northbrook Water SystemNone above limits11 ppb
Mount Prospect 5 mi
Mount Prospect Water System
Mount Prospect Water SystemNone above limits2.22 ppb
Glenview 6 mi
Glenview Water System
Glenview Water SystemNone above limits10 ppb
Palatine 6 mi
Palatine Water System
Palatine Water SystemNone above limits8.9 ppb
Wheeling ZIP codes (1)
  • 60090

Questions

Is Wheeling tap water safe to drink?

Wheeling Water System had 1 health-based violation 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 Wheeling, IL?

2 public water systems serve parts of Wheeling. The largest is Wheeling Water System (39,725 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Wheeling tap water have PFAS?

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

Census estimates put 51% of Wheeling 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. Wheeling 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.