Is Prospect Heights, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.1/100
waterverge.com Prospect Heights, IL — Water Quality Report
Prospect Heights's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,380 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 14 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Prospect Heights's water
Prospect Heights ranks #458 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.
As a small community water system, Prospect Heights may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Prospect Heights, IL water safe to drink?
Prospect Heights's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,380 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Prospect Heights
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Prospect Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.1/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4819). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4749). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Prospect Heights's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Prospect Heights's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 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 Des Plaines River, Buffalo Creek, Mc Donald Creek, Weller Creek, Des Plaines R.
Where does Prospect Heights's water come from?
Prospect Heights's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,380 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), Buffalo Creek (river), Mc Donald Creek (river), Weller Creek (river), Des Plaines R (river).
What Prospect Heights residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Prospect 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.
Prospect 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Prospect Heights
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Prospect Heights, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 13 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHEM-PLATE INDUSTRIES INC ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL60007 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 7.7 mi |
CHEM-PLATE INDUSTRIES ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL60007 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 7.4 mi |
TRITON WEST LLC - SHELL DES PLAINES TERMINAL ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL60005 | Lead compounds | 2 | 5.2 mi |
ACME ALLIANCE LLC NORTHBROOK, IL60062 | Copper | 1 | 4.3 mi |
BUHRKE INDUSTRIES LLC ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL60005 | — | — | 5.0 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 Prospect Heights'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.88 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Prospect Heights compares by contaminant
Explore where Prospect Heights ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Prospect Heights's water comes from
Prospect 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 2,380 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Prospect Heights
Prospect 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 Prospect Heights
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROSPECT HEIGHTS | IL0312530 | 2,280 | SWP |
| SUNRISE SENIOR LIVING | IL0312540 | 100 | GW |
How Prospect Heights compares
Full Illinois rankings →Prospect Heights's score of 83.1/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Prospect Heights, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Prospect Heights's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Prospect Heights, IL tap water safe to drink?
Prospect Heights's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #458 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Prospect Heights's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Prospect 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 Prospect Heights?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Prospect Heights's water come from?
Prospect Heights's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,380 residents.
What health violations has Prospect Heights's water system had?
Prospect Heights has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Prospect Heights's water compare to other cities?
Prospect Heights ranks #458 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 49% of state cities) and #6595 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.