US Water Score: D
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
53.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 7.6 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| PFPeA | 4.1 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFHxA | 3.8 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Elgin, Illinois (60120) receives an overall grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) with a score of 45 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 19 points below the Illinois state average of 64. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 114,797 people, using surface water sources. PFAS testing detected 3 compounds, all below the EPA final MCL values used for comparison.
A score of 45/100 flags significant system-level concerns in the US Water Score model for Elgin, IL. These may include violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS detections. Review the detailed records, your utility's Consumer Confidence Report, and qualified local guidance.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Tap water in Elgin, Illinois receives a grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) with a score of 45/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.
ZIP code 60120 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 114,797 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Lead levels in the public-system record for Elgin, Illinois are 53.0 ppb, above the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb. EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements lower that action level to 10 ppb when the new requirements take effect. This system-level result does not measure an individual tap; consider a certified lead-removal filter and independent tap testing.
3 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Elgin, Illinois, with reported values below the EPA final MCL values used by this site. This comparison is informational: federal compliance timelines and the status of some PFAS standards are still evolving. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce some PFAS when appropriately certified and maintained.
Water systems serving Elgin, Illinois have received 8 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Elgin, Illinois should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.