Is Bedford Park, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Bedford Park ranks. What to do next ↓
95.8/100
Bedford Park, IL — Water Quality Report
Bedford Park's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 602 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Bedford Park's water
Bedford Park ranks #10 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Bedford Park may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bedford Park, IL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Bedford Park's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 602 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bedford Park
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bedford Park's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4749). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bedford Park's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bedford Park's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cook County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Des Plaines River, Salt Creek, Addison Creek, Flag Creek, Nb Chicago River.
Where does Bedford Park's water come from?
Bedford Park's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 602 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Des Plaines River (river), Salt Creek (river), Addison Creek (river), Flag Creek (river), Nb Chicago River (river).
What Bedford Park residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bedford Park's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bedford Park
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bedford Park, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 23 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELKAY PLUMBING PRODUCTS CO BROADVIEW, IL60155 | Chromium | 16 | 7.3 mi |
SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLC BRIDGEVIEW, IL60455 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 7 | 2.1 mi |
NORTHFIELD FOREST VIEW BERWYN, IL60402 | Lead | 0 | 2.7 mi |
BORGWARNER TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS BELLWOOD, IL60104 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
DELTROL FLUID PRODUCTS BELLWOOD, IL60104 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bedford Park
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LENZ OIL SERVICE INC9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Cook County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bedford Park compares by contaminant
Explore where Bedford Park ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bedford Park's water comes from
Bedford Park's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 602 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bedford Park
Bedford Park is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bedford Park
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEDFORD PARK | IL0310120 | 602 | SWP |
How Bedford Park compares
Full Illinois rankings →Bedford Park's score of 95.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Bedford Park, IL
Wikipedia →Bedford Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States, and is an industrial suburb of Chicago. The population was 602 at the 2020 census. Bedford Park consists of a small residential area and vast amounts of heavy industry sprawling to the east and a small amount to the west.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bedford Park's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Bedford Park, IL tap water safe to drink?
Bedford Park's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Bedford Park's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Bedford Park's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bedford Park?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bedford Park's water come from?
Bedford Park's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 602 residents.
What health violations has Bedford Park's water system had?
Bedford Park has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 1994. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Bedford Park's water compare to other cities?
Bedford Park ranks #10 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 99% of state cities) and #276 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bedford Park's small water system affect quality?
Bedford Park's system serves approximately 602 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 2 violations on record.