top of page

Resources

There are many valuable resources in the city of Chicago that can provide insight on the quality of the drinking water and water sources in the city. Additionally, there are programs available that empower Chicago residents and/or homeowners to keep their drinking water safe. Below are some helpful resources that provide information on these programs. 

H2NOW Chicago

H2NOW is a water quality measuring tool presented by Current. It provides a quality assessment of the Chicago and Calumet rivers. The data is updated every 15 minutes through water quality sensors in the rivers.

Water Service Line Inventory

If you are a Chicago resident, you can use this resource to determine the material of your water service line by simply typing in your address. If the water service material is lead. There is a possibility that lead could get into your water

Free Water Testing

If you are a Chicago resident and concerned about lead in your water, you can use this resource to request a free water testing kit. The kit will be dropped off at your home and then picked up by a city representative for testing in a certified lab. They will notify you if your water surpasses the EPA's lead action level threshold of 15 parts per billion.

Free Water Filters

If you are a Chicago resident, you can check if you are eligible for a free water filter that is certified to remove lead if used correctly. In order to be eligible, you must have already tested your water through the city's free water testing program, had a water meter installed by the cities MeterSave program, or have a water or sewer replacement project constructed on your block. 

City Assisted Lead Service Line Replacements

If you are a Chicago homeowner, you may be eligible for some assistance from the city to replace your lead water service line. This resource lists out the different service line replacement programs and what the requirements for eligibility are. 

EWG's Tap Water Database

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a tap water database that tracks various drinking water contaminants in different cities and compares them to the federal standards. This tool can be used for any location in the US, not just Chicago. 

bottom of page