Arthur, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Arthur reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in IL — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Arthur Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Arthur Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.02 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,780 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.92 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Arthur
With 3 utilities splitting service in Arthur, IL, water accountability is distributed across 4 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Arthur, Illinois (population ~4,484), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 8,188 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Arthur: D (40/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Arthur water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0200 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61911 | D | 1 | 0 | West Prairie Water Company |
All ZIP Codes in Arthur
- 61911 [D] — 1 violation
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Arthur
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Arthur
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Arthur's Housing Stock?
With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
The median home in Arthur was built in 1978 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Arthur were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Arthur: Remediation Cost in Perspective
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Arthur homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 4.1% of home value, remediation costs in Arthur represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,520–$9,140. Home values here are 9% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Arthur
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Reading the local data together produces a single household-level picture for Arthur. The 73% pre-rule housing share — that is, the share of buildings constructed before federal rules removed lead solder from new plumbing — combines with citywide utility readings beyond the regulatory action level. The two indicators run in parallel here. An in-home draw produces the household-specific information that aggregate data cannot, and a certified filter via retailer networks is the standard intervention where confirmed results warrant it.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Arthur
100% of ZIP codes in Arthur are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 12 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Arthur has a moderate flood history with 12 FEMA claims averaging $7,350 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$6,780</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Arthur
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Arthur's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Arthur, IL