Water Quality in Elgin, IL: 56 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 48/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Elgin's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Elgin, IL carry 56 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Elgin
Water quality varies across Elgin's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60121 | F | 28 | 14 | 1 | View report → |
| 60120 | F | 31 | 14 | 1 | View report → |
| 60123 | F | 36 | 14 | 1 | View report → |
| 60124 | D | 41 | 14 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Elgin, Illinois receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 48 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Elgin have accumulated 56 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 116,825 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Elgin's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Elgin water systems is 0.0511 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 4 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 52% of homes built before 1986, Elgin has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Elgin is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Elgin
Elgin is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 116,825 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elgin. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Elgin
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Elgin Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Elgin's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 12 | 4 | Yes |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 8 | 4 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 4 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 4 | 4 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 4 | 4 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elgin. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-24.
Elgin vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Elgin's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin | D | 56 | 4 | 116,825 |
| Cantrall | D | 0 | 1 | 117,444 |
| Springfield | D | 342 | 5 | 128,012 |
| Edwards | D | 0 | 1 | 137,575 |
Recommended Water Filters for Elgin
Based on contaminants detected in Elgin's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chloramines
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Elgin
Water quality varies across Elgin's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60121 | 28 | F | 14 | 1 |
| 60120 | 31 | F | 14 | 1 |
| 60123 | 36 | F | 14 | 1 |
| 60124 | 41 | D | 14 | 1 |
Common Questions About Elgin Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Elgin, Illinois:
Is Elgin water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Elgin's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Elgin tap water? Elgin's water receives a grade of D (48/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Elgin? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Elgin vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Elgin compares to the broader Illinois average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Elgin.
ZIP Codes in Elgin
Elgin spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 60120. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.