CITY REPORT IL

Bartlett, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 58/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03

Water monitoring across Bartlett paints a mid-range picture within IL — solid compliance in some service zones, documented concerns in others. Most violations on record are concentrated in specific areas, and the overall grade has held in the middle tier without major shifts in recent monitoring cycles.

How Bartlett Compares

Bartlett58/100
Illinois avg61/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
7
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
C · 58
Avg Safety Score
1
ZIPs Exceeding Lead Limit
Zone 2
Radon Risk (Moderate)
$353K
Median Home Value
$1,600
Est. Remediation (0.4% of home value)

Bartlett Water: The Quick Version

  • Average lead level: 0.0246 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
  • Homes built before 1986: 40% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 10.67.

Water Systems Serving Bartlett

Federal records list 7 water systems tied to Bartlett, IL. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.

Elgin
Serves ~114,797 people
58
/100
Bartlett
Serves ~41,500 people
58
/100
Carol Stream
Serves ~39,854 people
58
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bartlett, Illinois (population ~41,825), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 322,012 people region-wide.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bartlett — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Bartlett: C (58/100)

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

Bartlett water systems draw from: Surface water.

Lead & Copper

  • Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0246 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 2 (Moderate Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Areas with No Violations

ZIP Code Safety Score System Population
60103 C Bartlett 41,500

All ZIP Codes in Bartlett

Data Sources

Updated daily.

CDC Health Data for Bartlett

8.9%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
10%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
13.4%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 8.9% ↓
Diabetes 10% ↓
Mental Health 13.4% ↓

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

How Old Is Bartlett's Housing Stock?

1998
Median Build Year
40%
Built Before 1986
5%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).

Housing Age Profile

Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Bartlett, the median build year of 1998 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.

1998
Median Year Built
40%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
5%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (5%) 1970–1986 (35%) Post-1986 (60%)

Most homes in Bartlett were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.

Bartlett: Remediation Cost in Perspective

Across Bartlett, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.

Median Home Value
$353,300
Est. Remediation
$1,600
Remediation as % of home value 0.4%

Remediation costs in Bartlett are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 92% above the Illinois average.

Protecting Children from Lead in Bartlett

1 of 1
ZIPs Over EPA Lead Limit
40%
Homes Built Before 1986
0.0246
mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

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.

Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 40% of Bartlett homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.

<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 Bartlett

The NFIP claim record for Bartlett — 9 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.

9
Total FEMA Flood Claims
$7,657
Avg Claim Payout
100%
ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones

Bartlett has a moderate flood history with 9 FEMA claims averaging $7,657 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>$1,600</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 Bartlett

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 40% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Bartlett, IL?
Bartlett has an average water safety score of 58/100 (Grade C). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
Does Bartlett water have lead?
The average 90th-percentile lead level in Bartlett is 0.0246 mg/L. This exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead levels can vary by home — testing is recommended especially in older properties.
How does Bartlett compare to Illinois average?
Bartlett has an average water safety score of 58/100, which is below the Illinois state average of 61/100.
How many water systems serve Bartlett?
Bartlett is served by 7 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 41,825 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Bartlett?
Estimated remediation costs in Bartlett average $1,600 per household, ranging from $800 to $2,600. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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