Water Quality in Skokie, IL: 10 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 48/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Skokie's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Skokie, IL has 10 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Skokie
Water quality varies across Skokie's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60076 | D | 45 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 60077 | D | 50 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Skokie, 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 1 water system serving Skokie have accumulated 10 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 66,422 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Skokie'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 Skokie water systems is 0.0123 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 88% of homes built before 1986, Skokie 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
Skokie is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Skokie
Skokie is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 66,422 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Skokie. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Skokie
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 Skokie Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Skokie's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | 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 Skokie. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-05-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-06-02 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-06.
Skokie vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Skokie's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skokie | D | 10 | 1 | 66,422 |
| Palatine | D | 0 | 1 | 70,875 |
| Des Plaines | B | 12 | 2 | 60,676 |
| Normal | D | 38 | 3 | 59,831 |
Common Questions About Skokie Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Skokie, Illinois:
Is Skokie water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Skokie's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Skokie tap water? Skokie's water receives a grade of D (48/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Skokie? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Skokie vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Skokie 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 Skokie.
ZIP Codes in Skokie
Skokie spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 60076. 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.