Skokie Water Company

The Skokie Water Distribution System delivers approximately 6.7 million gallons of treated water daily to residential and business customers. This volume would cover the entire Village with several feet of water annually.

Skokie residents can be assured that every drop of their municipal water exceeds the standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). For decades, Skokie citizens have enjoyed a reliable, affordable water supply (purchased from Evanston) with no reported waterborne illnesses.

Evanston has pioneered water safety innovations throughout its history. In 1914, amid nationwide outbreaks of typhoid, cholera, and dysentery, Evanston became the first Lake Michigan community to implement water treatment. In 1947, Evanston led Illinois as the first municipality to provide fluoridated water. By 1973, Evanston's treatment facility eliminated all water discharge into Lake Michigan.

Today, beyond the 50 daily chemical and bacteriological tests conducted by Evanston's water personnel, Skokie's water professionals continuously monitor chlorine levels, contaminant concentrations, and test for lead, copper, and total trihalomethanes. To safeguard public health, over 70 samples are collected monthly throughout Skokie from residential and commercial properties. These rigorous protocols ensure Skokie's water ranks among the safest in the nation.

Elevated lead levels can pose serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and household plumbing. The Village of Skokie cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. When water sits unused for several hours, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption or cooking. If concerned about lead content, you may want to have your water tested. Information on lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction strategies is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800/426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

This Water Quality Report continues Skokie's tradition of water excellence. During the reporting period, there were no treatment, monitoring or reporting violations, and all detected substances remained well below federal limits. Over 65 potential contaminants tested negative, including major concerns such as synthetic organic chemicals and radon. This USEPA-mandated Water Quality Report reflects successful consumer advocacy for the public's right to transparent information about water quality's health impacts.

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1. Where does Skokie water come from?
   Skokie supplies purchased surface water to Skokie, Illinois.
2. Does Skokie test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Skokie must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Skokie?
   Call 847-673-0500 or visit 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60077, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Skokie water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Skokie water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.