Chicago, IL water solutions

Yes, Chicago tap water is safe to drink and meets all U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA water quality standards. The City of Chicago Department of Water Management conducts more than 600,000 water quality tests annually, ensuring compliance with federal safety guidelines.

However, in older commercial buildings—especially those built before the 1986 lead pipe ban—tap water may be affected by outdated plumbing systems. Many offices and facilities choose to install filtered water stations or bottleless dispensers as a precaution and to improve taste.

Regular internal water testing is recommended for office complexes, restaurants, healthcare settings, and multi-tenant commercial spaces.

Yes, Chicago has moderately hard water, averaging around 130–180 parts per million (ppm) of calcium and magnesium. This can cause mineral buildup in commercial plumbing systems and appliances over time.

For businesses, this means:

• Increased wear on water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee machines
• Potential efficiency loss in HVAC and boiler systems
• More frequent maintenance needs and higher energy costs
  

Installing a commercial-grade water softening system can help reduce scale buildup, extend equipment life, and lower operating costs.

Yes, Chicago’s municipal water is safe to drink at the source, treated at two of the largest purification plants in the U.S. — the Jardine and Sawyer Water Purification Plants. The water consistently meets or exceeds federal and state standards.

That said, internal plumbing systems within older buildings may pose risks, particularly due to lead service lines still in place in parts of the city. Business owners should consider point-of-use filtration or third-party water testing if their building infrastructure is aging or hasn’t been recently upgraded.

Chicago water is classified as moderately hard, due to naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium drawn from Lake Michigan. While the hardness level is not extreme, it can still cause scaling in commercial plumbing and equipment over time.

Soft water alternatives are especially beneficial for:

• Restaurants and food service businesses (cleaner dishes, better beverage quality)
• Offices with frequent appliance use (coffee makers, ice machines)
• Medical and dental offices (where sterilization and water purity are critical)

A tailored water treatment solution can help reduce maintenance costs and support sustainability efforts in commercial buildings.

Yes, trace levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in Chicago water, but current levels remain below federal advisory limits. The city is monitoring PFAS closely, and Illinois has proposed additional regulations to control and eventually reduce these emerging contaminants.

For businesses prioritizing environmental health or working in sensitive industries like healthcare, education, or childcare, installing NSF-certified PFAS filters can offer extra protection and peace of mind.

Stay informed by reviewing the City of Chicago’s annual water quality report and consider a proactive filtration strategy to meet rising environmental standards.