Bishop Hill, IL: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Bishop Hill lands near the IL median for water safety — compliance results are mixed, and the city's middle-grade standing reflects genuine variability across service areas rather than one problem driving the whole picture.
How Bishop Hill Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Bishop Hill Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0013 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 90% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.54 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Bishop Hill
Federal records list 1 water system serving Bishop Hill, IL. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bishop Hill, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 156 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bishop Hill — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bishop Hill: C (66/100)
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
Bishop Hill water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0013 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61419 | C | Bishop Hill | 113 |
All ZIP Codes in Bishop Hill
- 61419 [C]
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 Bishop Hill
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
How Old Is Bishop Hill's Housing Stock?
With 90% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Bishop Hill — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1903 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Bishop Hill 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.
Bishop Hill: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Viewed from a financial planning lens, Bishop Hill sits in the moderate remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is real, and deliberate preparation separates smooth outcomes from disruptive ones for most homeowners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Bishop Hill. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 48% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Bishop Hill
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 90% of Bishop Hill stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Bishop Hill
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 90% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bishop Hill, IL