Water Quality in Elmwood Park, IL: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Elmwood Park's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Elmwood Park, IL holds 2 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Elmwood Park
Water quality varies across Elmwood Park's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60707 | C | 64 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Elmwood Park, Illinois receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Elmwood Park have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 25,000 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Elmwood Park's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Elmwood Park water systems is 0.0072 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 85% of homes built before 1986, Elmwood Park 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
Elmwood Park is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 25,000 people across 1 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 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elmwood Park. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Elmwood Park
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 Elmwood Park Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Elmwood Park's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | 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 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elmwood Park. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-02.
Elmwood Park vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Elmwood Park's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmwood Park | C | 2 | 1 | 25,000 |
| Harvey | C | 3 | 1 | 25,000 |
| Zion | D | 6 | 3 | 25,067 |
| Garden Prairie | D | 0 | 1 | 25,070 |
Common Questions About Elmwood Park Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Elmwood Park, Illinois:
Is Elmwood Park water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Elmwood Park's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Elmwood Park tap water? Elmwood Park's water receives a grade of C (64/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Elmwood Park? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Elmwood Park vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Elmwood Park 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 Elmwood Park.
ZIP Codes in Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 60707. 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.