Is Burbank, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71/100
waterverge.com Burbank, IL — Water Quality Report
Burbank's drinking water received a grade of B- (71 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 14 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Burbank's water
Burbank ranks #730 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Burbank may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Burbank, IL water safe to drink?
Burbank's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Burbank
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Burbank's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Burbank's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Burbank's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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, Chicago River.
Where does Burbank's water come from?
Burbank's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 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), Chicago River (river).
What Burbank residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Burbank's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Burbank'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 Burbank
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Burbank, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 113 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS RIVERDALE LLC RIVERDALE, IL60827 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 90 | 10.0 mi |
ELKAY PLUMBING PRODUCTS CO BROADVIEW, IL60155 | Chromium | 16 | 8.8 mi |
SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLC BRIDGEVIEW, IL60455 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 7 | 2.6 mi |
NORTHFIELD FOREST VIEW BERWYN, IL60402 | Lead | 0 | 4.3 mi |
DURACO SPECIALTY TAPES FOREST PARK, IL60130 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Burbank
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 INC9.3 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Burbank's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 9.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Burbank compares by contaminant
Explore where Burbank ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Burbank's water comes from
Burbank'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 2,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Burbank
Burbank 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 Burbank
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL STICKNEY SD | IL0315570 | 2,400 | SWP |
How Burbank compares
Full Illinois rankings →Burbank's score of 71/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Burbank, IL
Wikipedia →Burbank is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 29,439 at the 2020 census. It borders the southwest edge of the city of Chicago; the Chicago city limit – specifically that of the Ashburn neighborhood – is in common with Burbank's eastern city limit. Burbank shares a boundary with Oak Lawn to its south, Bridgeview to its west, and Bedford Park to its north; the city of Hometown is also adjacent to Burbank's southeast corner. Burbank is less than two miles south of Chicago Midway International Airport.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Burbank's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Burbank, IL tap water safe to drink?
Burbank's water quality earned a grade of B- (71/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #730 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Burbank's water?
Lead was measured at 9.2 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Burbank'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 Burbank?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Burbank's water come from?
Burbank's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 residents.
What health violations has Burbank's water system had?
Burbank has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Burbank's water compare to other cities?
Burbank ranks #730 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 18% of state cities) and #10645 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Burbank's small water system affect quality?
Burbank's system serves approximately 2,400 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 14 violations on record.