Is East Chicago Heights, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.5/100
waterverge.com East Chicago Heights, IL — Water Quality Report
East Chicago Heights's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,813 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 171 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Chicago Heights's water
East Chicago Heights ranks #683 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.
As a small community water system, East Chicago Heights may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Chicago Heights, IL water safe to drink?
East Chicago Heights's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,813 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for East Chicago Heights
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Chicago Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 East Chicago Heights's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Chicago Heights's water system has 171 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 5 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 Indiana Harbor Canal, Little Calumet River, Plum Creek, Hart Ditch, Little Calumet R.
Where does East Chicago Heights's water come from?
East Chicago Heights's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,813 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Indiana Harbor Canal (stream), Little Calumet River (river), Plum Creek (river), Hart Ditch (stream), Little Calumet R (river).
What East Chicago Heights residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Chicago Heights'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.
East Chicago Heights'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
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Chicago Heights compares by contaminant
Explore where East Chicago Heights ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Chicago Heights's water comes from
East Chicago Heights'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 1,813 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Chicago Heights
East Chicago Heights 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 East Chicago Heights
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORD HEIGHTS | IL0310720 | 1,813 | SWP |
How East Chicago Heights compares
Full Illinois rankings →East Chicago Heights's score of 74.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About East Chicago Heights, IL
Wikipedia →Ford Heights is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,813 at the 2020 census. A suburb of Chicago, many of the area's first settlers were African American and since its incorporation in 1949, the village has remained predominantly Black. Due to the lack of commercial activity and financial stability, the village has declined over the years. Urban renewal efforts were attempted in the 1960s, although the village has continued to decline.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Chicago Heights's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is East Chicago Heights, IL tap water safe to drink?
East Chicago Heights's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #683 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in East Chicago Heights's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 171 violations are on record.
How is East Chicago Heights'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 East Chicago Heights?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Chicago Heights's water come from?
East Chicago Heights's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,813 residents.
What health violations has East Chicago Heights's water system had?
East Chicago Heights has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
How does East Chicago Heights's water compare to other cities?
East Chicago Heights ranks #683 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 23% of state cities) and #9839 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Chicago Heights's small water system affect quality?
East Chicago Heights's system serves approximately 1,813 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 171 violations on record.