Is Techny, 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 ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Techny, IL — Water Quality Report
Techny's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 809 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 9 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Techny's water
Techny ranks #346 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.
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, Techny may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Techny, IL water safe to drink?
Techny's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 809 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Techny
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Techny's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Techny'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
Techny's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Techny's water come from?
Techny's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 809 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 Techny residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Techny'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Techny'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Techny'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Techny compares by contaminant
Explore where Techny ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Techny's water comes from
Techny'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 809 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Techny
Techny 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 Techny
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLENBROOK SD | IL0315310 | 809 | SWP |
How Techny compares
Full Illinois rankings →Techny's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Techny, IL
Wikipedia →Techny is a neighborhood of Northbrook, Illinois, United States. Once a separate community, it was annexed by Northbrook in 1989. The North American headquarters of the Divine Word Missionaries has been located in Techny since 1896. The area's name derived from St. Joseph's Technical School, which the religious congregation established in 1901 and operated for twelve years. St. Mary's Mission Seminary, the first of its kind which prepared priests and Brothers for foreign missions, was opened by the Divine Word Missionaries in 1909. Techny has its own post office with ZIP code 60082.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Techny's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Techny, IL tap water safe to drink?
Techny's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #346 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Techny's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Techny'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 Techny?
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 Techny's water come from?
Techny's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 809 residents.
What health violations has Techny's water system had?
Techny has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Techny's water compare to other cities?
Techny ranks #346 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 61% of state cities) and #5046 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Techny's small water system affect quality?
Techny's system serves approximately 809 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 9 violations on record.