North Chicago, IL: 4 Health Violations — 75/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
North Chicago tap water earns a high safety grade — above-average compliance with IL and federal standards.
How North Chicago Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for North Chicago Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 12 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0012 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.37.
North Chicago's Water Providers
Water service in North Chicago, IL is split across 3 utilities out of 4 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in North Chicago, Illinois (population ~15,047), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 132,562 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for North Chicago: B (75/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
North Chicago water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0012 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Atrazine | Organic | 3 | 2 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60064 | B | 6 | 2 | North Chicago |
| 60086 | B | 6 | 2 | Great Lakes Naval Training Station |
All ZIP Codes in North Chicago
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
Updated daily.
North Chicago Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in North Chicago's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in North Chicago
Setting North Chicago remediation figures against its property market, the resulting ratio sits comfortably in the low tier — a classification that reflects the kind of household financial position where most homeowners can identify documented issues, schedule the work, and absorb the cost without it registering as a significant budget disruption.
Remediation costs in North Chicago are relatively low compared to home values. The $550–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 24% below the Illinois average.
North Chicago: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in North Chicago appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
North Chicago: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for North Chicago — 18 insurance claims paired with 50% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
North Chicago has a moderate flood history with 18 FEMA claims averaging $3,556 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,300</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for North Chicago, IL