Water Quality in Morton Grove, IL: 3 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Morton Grove's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance history for Morton Grove, IL includes 3 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Morton Grove
Water quality varies across Morton Grove's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60053 | D | 50 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Morton Grove, Illinois receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Morton Grove have accumulated 3 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 25,297 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Morton Grove'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 Morton Grove water systems is 0.0172 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, Morton Grove 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
Morton Grove is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Morton Grove
Morton Grove is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 25,297 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 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Morton Grove. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Morton Grove
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 Morton Grove Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Morton Grove's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 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 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Morton Grove. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-06-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-27 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-02-07.
Morton Grove vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Morton Grove's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morton Grove | D | 3 | 1 | 25,297 |
| Westmont | C | 4 | 2 | 25,111 |
| Garden Prairie | D | 0 | 1 | 25,070 |
| Zion | D | 6 | 3 | 25,067 |
Common Questions About Morton Grove Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Morton Grove, Illinois:
Is Morton Grove water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Morton Grove's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Morton Grove tap water? Morton Grove's water receives a grade of D (50/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Morton Grove? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Morton Grove vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Morton Grove 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 Morton Grove.
ZIP Codes in Morton Grove
Morton Grove spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 60053. 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.