Celebrate Drinking Water Week (May 3-9)

The City of Evanston joins communities nationwide in celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 3-9. This annual observance, coordinated by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), recognizes the vital role clean, safe drinking water plays in our daily lives and honors the dedicated professionals who work around the clock to ensure its delivery.

Evanston’s Water Production Bureau is critical to the region’s water infrastructure. Drawing from Lake Michigan, the City operates the second-largest water plant in Illinois, supplying high-quality drinking water to 10 surrounding communities, reaching approximately 488,000 residents and 61,000 businesses. In 2025 alone, the Bureau distributed more than 17 billion gallons of water, averaging 47.8 million gallons per day.

The City's commitment to water excellence was recognized in 2023 when it was awarded “Best Tasting Tap Water in Illinois” by the Illinois Section of the AWWA. That same year, Darrell King, Evanston’s Water Production Bureau Chief, received the Water Professional of the Year award from the Illinois Section of AWWA.

“The Evanston Water Utility continues to provide safe drinking water to our customers across ten communities and remains in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. We intentionally plan strategic capital projects to ensure our ability to treat and deliver drinking water into the future. We are committed to replacing all lead service lines throughout Evanston while providing effective corrosion control treatment,” said Bureau Chief Darrell King. 

Lead Service Line Replacement

Evanston continues to invest in a safe and sustainable water future. Since 2022, the City has replaced 1,113 lead service lines, improving water quality for residents. Residents can track progress and learn more through the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Dashboard at evanstonleadreplacement.org.

Drinking water providers are required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to provide residents with a water quality report known as the Consumer Confidence Report each year by July 1. This year, the water quality has met or exceeded all drinking water standards.

Watch our Water Treatment Video to learn how Evanston’s water goes from Lake Michigan to your tap. For more information, call/text 847-448-4311 or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.