Chicagoans love their tap water almost as much as they love their deep-dish pizza. It’s fresh, cold, and straight from Lake Michigan. But while it tastes great, that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. If you’re asking yourself whether you should be filtering your tap water — especially if you live in an older building or have kids — the answer might surprise you.
Let’s take a closer look at Chicago water quality, what’s really in your tap, and how to make sure your water is not only safe but healthier and cleaner for everyday drinking.
Is Chicago tap water safe to drink in 2025?
Yes — but it depends on your home’s plumbing.
According to the EPA and the Chicago Department of Water Management, the water leaving the city’s treatment facilities is safe and meets all federal standards. Most of the year, it even tastes great.
But here’s the issue: lead contamination doesn't come from the treatment plant — it comes from the pipes that deliver the water to your faucet.
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Lead has been found in thousands of homes across the city.
Chicago has more lead service lines than any other city in the U.S. - 1 in 5 homes tested had lead levels high enough to impact brain development in children.
- And according to the CDC, no amount of lead exposure is considered safe, especially for babies and kids.
So while the water source is clean, the delivery system may not be. That’s why using a certified faucet filter like TAPP Water’s EcoPro is one of the smartest choices you can make for your health.
Where does Chicago’s tap water come from and how is it treated?
Chicago’s drinking water comes from Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The water is drawn through offshore intake cribs located 2 to 3 miles out in the lake at a depth of around 20–30 feet.
From there, it goes through a series of treatments at one of the city’s water purification plants:
- Coagulation and sedimentation
- Filtration through sand and gravel
- Disinfection with chlorine
- Fluoridation to promote dental health
The result is clean, regulated water — until it reaches the lead pipes under your street or inside your home.
Regional differences: Water quality across Chicago neighborhoods
The biggest differences in Chicago water quality usually come from your home’s age and local plumbing. Older neighborhoods like:
- Logan Square
- Lincoln Park
- Pilsen
- Humboldt Park
…are more likely to have aging pipes and lead service lines. If your home was built before 1986, it may still have lead pipes or solder joints that can leach lead into your drinking water.
Hardness levels in Chicago: Is your water soft or hard?
Chicago has moderately hard water, meaning it contains:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
This isn’t a health issue, but it can:
- Leave white spots on dishes
- Cause buildup in coffee makers or kettles
- Make your water taste “flat” or chalky
A TAPP Water filter doesn’t soften water, but it does remove chlorine and improve flavor, making your water taste fresh and clean.
Can you drink Chicago tap water without filtering?
Technically, yes — but if your building has old plumbing, it’s not worth the risk.
Filtering your water with TAPP 2 is a quick and affordable way to:
- Remove lead and other contaminants
- Improve taste
- Protect children and vulnerable family members
- Avoid plastic waste from bottled water
And it takes just 30 seconds to install — no tools or plumber needed.
Best water filters for Chicago households
If you're in Chicago, you need a filter that targets lead — not just chlorine.
TAPP 2 / EcoPro is designed exactly for that:
- Certified for lead reduction
- Removes chlorine, TTHMs, microplastics, and more
- Preserves healthy minerals
- Uses biodegradable cartridges
- Works with most faucets in less than a minute
Need clean water on the go? Try the BottlePro, a refillable filtered bottle — ideal for commuting, the gym, or exploring the lakefront.
FAQ: Chicago water quality, filtering tips & product support
1. How do I know if my tap water has lead?
You can request free testing through the city by calling 311 or using the Illinois EPA certified labs. But to stay safe every day, it’s better to filter your tap water consistently with a certified filter.
2. Is bottled water better than Chicago tap water?
No. About 50% of bottled water is just filtered tap water, and it creates tons of plastic waste. A TAPP filter gives you safe, great-tasting water at a fraction of the cost — without polluting Lake Michigan.
3. How often do I need to replace my TAPP filter?
Every 3 months. Our biodegradable refill cartridges are easy to swap and better for the planet. You can also subscribe and save 10% on each refill.
Final thoughts: Should you trust Chicago water quality?
Yes — but filter it first.
Chicago’s water is clean when it leaves the treatment plant, but lead contamination in pipes is still a serious issue in many homes.
