Is Forest View, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.6/100
waterverge.com Forest View, IL — Water Quality Report
Forest View's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.2 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Forest View's water
Forest View ranks #483 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it below average 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, Forest View may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Forest View, IL water safe to drink?
Forest View's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Forest View
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Forest View's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Forest View'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
Forest View's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 3 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, Nb Chicago River.
Where does Forest View's water come from?
Forest View's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 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 Forest View 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Forest View'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 Forest View
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Forest View, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 24 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELKAY PLUMBING PRODUCTS CO BROADVIEW, IL60155 | Chromium | 16 | 5.2 mi |
SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLC BRIDGEVIEW, IL60455 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 7 | 3.8 mi |
SCOT FORGE CO FRANKLIN PARK, IL60131 | Manganese | 0 | 9.9 mi |
NORTHFIELD FOREST VIEW BERWYN, IL60402 | Lead | 0 | 0.5 mi |
BORGWARNER TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS BELLWOOD, IL60104 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Forest View'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. | 6.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Forest View compares by contaminant
Explore where Forest View ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Forest View's water comes from
Forest View'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 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Forest View
Forest View 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 Forest View
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOREST VIEW | IL0310930 | 800 | SWP |
How Forest View compares
Full Illinois rankings →Forest View's score of 82.6/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Forest View, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Forest View's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Forest View, IL tap water safe to drink?
Forest View's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #483 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Forest View's water?
Lead was measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Forest View'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 Forest View?
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 Forest View's water come from?
Forest View's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Forest View's water system had?
Forest View has 1 health-based violation 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Forest View's water compare to other cities?
Forest View ranks #483 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 46% of state cities) and #6888 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Forest View's small water system affect quality?
Forest View's system serves approximately 800 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 5 violations on record.