Moving to Chicago, IL? What to Know About the Water
Water quality essentials for anyone relocating to Chicago.
Water Hardness: 140 PPM (hard)
Chicago's water is hard at 140 PPM. You will likely notice some spotting on dishes, slightly drier skin, and soap that does not lather as well as you might be used to. A water softener is beneficial, especially if you have a tankless water heater or high-end fixtures.
Contaminants to Know About
PFAS levels in Chicago are within EPA limits. No specific PFAS filtration needed.
Lead: Average lead levels of 9.3 ppb are elevated. This is especially relevant if your new home was built before 1986, when lead solder was standard in plumbing. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking after the water has been sitting in pipes (first thing in the morning, after work). A certified point-of-use filter at the kitchen tap ($50-$200) provides reliable protection. Learn about lead.
Chlorine is present at 0.9 mg/L. This is within the normal range and most people will not notice it. Chicago DWM is your water provider.
First-Week Water Checklist
Flush the pipes: Run every faucet (hot and cold) for 5 minutes after moving in. Water has been sitting in the pipes during the vacancy, and lead/copper levels are highest in stagnant water.
Check the water heater: Note its age (labeled on the unit). Set temperature to 120°F. In Chicago's hard water, tank water heaters last 8-10 years instead of 12-15. Tankless heaters are more vulnerable - check your manufacturer's warranty conditions for hardness limits.
Inspect fixtures: Look for existing scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. Heavy white deposits indicate the previous owners did not have a softener - and your plumbing may already have internal scale.
Request the CCR: Contact Chicago DWM for the latest Consumer Confidence Report, which provides neighborhood-level water quality data.
Test your tap: A $15-$25 home test kit confirms whether your specific tap matches city averages. Worth doing if the home has older plumbing.
What to Budget for Water Treatment
Recommended: Water softener or conditioner. Salt-based softener: $600-$1,500 installed with $100/year in salt. Salt-free conditioner: $800-$2,000, zero ongoing cost. Either protects your appliances and plumbing from scale damage.
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz - it factors in your budget, household size, and whether you rent or own.