WaterVerge

Is Lindenhurst, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+ — but Chlorate and Molybdenum were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

15K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IL0971000
Overall Score
80.8 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#538 of 891 in Illinois Top 49% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
80.8/100
waterverge.com
B+ 80.8/100

Lindenhurst, IL — Water Quality Report

Lindenhurst's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 14,500 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.

The system has 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Lindenhurst's water

Lindenhurst ranks #538 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.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.04 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
80.8 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.8/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
14.9/20
B
No PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Lindenhurst, IL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Lindenhurst's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 14,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

7
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
None
PFAS Detected
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lindenhurst

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lindenhurst's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
4 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lindenhurst's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Lindenhurst's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMON
Most recent violations:
Oct 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2023 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2023 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2023 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Lake County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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, Mill Creek, Channel Lake, Fox Lake, Long Lake At Ben Dock At Long Lake.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4116
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3230
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-997

Where does Lindenhurst's water come from?

Lindenhurst's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 14,500 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), Mill Creek (river), Channel Lake (lake), Fox Lake (lake), Long Lake At Ben Dock At Long Lake (lake).

What Lindenhurst residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lindenhurst's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Lindenhurst'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
6.9 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 12% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 7.3 µg/LHAA9: 12.1 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.04 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 0% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Elevated
1466.6 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 98% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
22.1 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 44% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
4620.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Over HA
52.90 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
0
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

24
Total violations
0
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
Oct 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

24 Total
7 Active
0 Health-based
17 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Nitrate Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Oct 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2023 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jan 2023 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jan 2023 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jan 2023 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jul 2017 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Jul 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2017
Jul 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2012
Jul 2012 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2012
Oct 1986 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1989
Oct 1986 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1989
Oct 1986 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1989
Oct 1986 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1989
Oct 1986 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1989
Showing 20 of 24 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lindenhurst

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lindenhurst, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SKACH MANUFACTURING CO.
Fabricated Metals · NA
ANTIOCH, IL60002
5.3 mi
THE IMAGINE GROUP LLC
Printing · THE IMAGINE GROUP LLC
GRAYSLAKE, IL60030
4.8 mi
HARGER INC.
Electrical Equipment · TE CONNECTIVITY LTD
GRAYSLAKE, IL60030
4.7 mi
GALLAGHER CORP
Plastics and Rubber · NA
GURNEE, IL60031
6.9 mi
VANTAGE SPECIALTIES
Chemicals · VANTAGE SPECIALTY CHEMICALS INC
GURNEE, IL60031
6.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lindenhurst

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
May 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Lake County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2013
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4116
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3230
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #997
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #776
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #373

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.1 ppb from 1992 (7.0 ppb) to 2025 (3.9 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Lindenhurst compares by contaminant

Explore where Lindenhurst ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
14,500
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Lindenhurst's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Lindenhurst'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 14,500 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lindenhurst

Lindenhurst is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Des Plaines River
river
Mill Creek
river
Channel Lake
lake
Fox Lake
lake
Long Lake At Ben Dock At Long Lake
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lindenhurst

System Name PWSID Population Source
LINDENHURST IL0971000 14,500 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Lindenhurst compares

Full Illinois rankings →

Lindenhurst's score of 80.8/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Lindenhurst (this city)
80.8
Chicago
35.2
Aurora
45.5
Joliet
38.5
Naperville
81.2
Champaign
91.9
Illinois avg
56
City Profile

About Lindenhurst, IL

Economic Profile
$124,690
Median Income
$253,468
Median Home Value
$1,771/mo
Median Rent
6.7%
Unemployment
Community
37.8
Median Age
1,229
People / sq mi
42.9%
College Educated
82.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Lindenhurst, IL tap water safe to drink?

Lindenhurst's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #538 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.

What contaminants are in Lindenhurst's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 24 violations are on record.

How is Lindenhurst'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 Lindenhurst?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Lindenhurst's water come from?

Lindenhurst's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 14,500 residents.

How does Lindenhurst's water compare to other cities?

Lindenhurst ranks #538 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 40% of state cities) and #7701 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.