Water softener installation in Evanston, IL
Evanston's drinking water comes from Lake Michigan, from the city's own plant. We start from the latest water report Evanston published (2025 data), then work out what your home needs on a short phone call.
Where Evanston's water comes from
Evanston's water comes from Lake Michigan and is treated at the city's own plant, according to Evanston's water quality report (2025 data).
What Evanston publishes about its water
| What | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 7.5 to 8.4 (average 7.8) grains per gallon. On the U.S. Geological Survey's scale that counts as hard. See the scale. |
|
| Disinfectant | Chlorine. Water systems add it to keep water clean on its way to your tap. Carbon filtration in our whole-home system reduces the chlorine taste and smell. |
|
| Newest report | 2025 data year. Towns publish a new report every year, so we pull the latest one on your call. |
What that means for your Evanston home
On the U.S. Geological Survey's scale, Evanston's water counts as hard. Many homeowners soften water like this to cut spotting and scale. It is a choice, not an emergency.
The City Water Package is $3,299 installed. It softens the water where it enters your home, carbon filtration reduces the chlorine taste and smell, and a drinking-water faucet at your kitchen sink comes with it. We size it on your Free Water Check, using your household size and your town's report.
Questions from Evanston homeowners
Where does Evanston's tap water come from?
Evanston's water comes from Lake Michigan and is treated at the city's own plant, according to Evanston's water quality report (2025 data).
How hard is Evanston's water?
Evanston publishes 7.5 to 8.4 (average 7.8) grains per gallon. On the U.S. Geological Survey's scale that counts as hard. See the source.
Does Evanston use chlorine or chloramine?
Evanston's report (2025 data) lists chlorine as its disinfectant. Carbon filtration in our whole-home system reduces the chlorine taste and smell.
Where can I read Evanston's official water report?
Here: Evanston's water quality report (2025 data). Water systems must deliver this report to customers every year by July 1.
Do I need a water softener in Evanston?
On the U.S. Geological Survey's scale, Evanston's water counts as hard. Many homeowners soften water like this to cut spotting and scale. It is a choice, not an emergency.
What does whole-home water treatment cost in Evanston?
Our City Water Package is $3,299 installed for a standard install. The standard installation, the permit where your town requires one, and tax are included. A private well, or water over 25 grains per gallon, starts at $4,499, quoted in writing after a water test. Anything that could change a price is listed on How it works.
Do you install in Evanston?
Yes, in single-family homes and townhomes with their own water line in Evanston. Condos and apartments share a building line, so we can't yet. You don't need a sales visit: a short phone call, four photos, and one price in writing.
Check your Evanston water
Tell us your ZIP code and where your water comes from. We'll pull your town's numbers before we call.
Prefer to talk now?
Get your Free Water Check
A 10 to 15 minute phone call about your water and your price. No home visit.