Is East Hazel Crest, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com East Hazel Crest, IL — Water Quality Report
East Hazel Crest's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 11 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Hazel Crest's water
East Hazel Crest ranks #262 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range 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 Hazel Crest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Hazel Crest, IL water safe to drink?
East Hazel Crest's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for East Hazel Crest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Hazel Crest's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Hazel Crest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Hazel Crest's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 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 Pullman Creek, Plum Creek, Hart Ditch, Little Calumet River, Thorn Creek.
Where does East Hazel Crest's water come from?
East Hazel Crest's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pullman Creek (river), Plum Creek (river), Hart Ditch (stream), Little Calumet River (river), Thorn Creek (river).
What East Hazel Crest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Hazel Crest'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 Hazel Crest'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 East Hazel Crest
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Hazel Crest, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 295 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CID RECYCLING & DISPOSAL FACILITY CALUMET CITY, IL60409 | Ammonia | 101 | 5.2 mi |
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS RIVERDALE LLC RIVERDALE, IL60827 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 90 | 5.2 mi |
ENVIRITE OF ILLINOIS INC HARVEY, IL60426 | Zinc compounds | 52 | 1.0 mi |
REAL ALLOY RECYCLING LLC CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL60411 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 48 | 5.1 mi |
MID-WEST MFG LLC CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL60411 | Manganese compounds | 4 | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of East Hazel Crest
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.
- ESTECH GENERAL CHEMICAL COMPANY7.3 mi
- SCHROUD PROPERTY8.1 mi
- LAKE CALUMET CLUSTER8.3 mi
- ACME STEEL COKE PLANT9.0 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Hazel Crest compares by contaminant
Explore where East Hazel Crest ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Hazel Crest's water comes from
East Hazel Crest'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Hazel Crest
East Hazel Crest 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 Hazel Crest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST HAZEL CREST | IL0310750 | 1,500 | SWP |
How East Hazel Crest compares
Full Illinois rankings →East Hazel Crest's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About East Hazel Crest, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Hazel Crest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is East Hazel Crest, IL tap water safe to drink?
East Hazel Crest's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #262 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in East Hazel Crest's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is East Hazel Crest'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 Hazel Crest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Hazel Crest's water come from?
East Hazel Crest's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has East Hazel Crest's water system had?
East Hazel Crest has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does East Hazel Crest's water compare to other cities?
East Hazel Crest ranks #262 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 71% of state cities) and #3955 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Hazel Crest's small water system affect quality?
East Hazel Crest's system serves approximately 1,500 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 11 violations on record.