Buffalo Prairie, IL: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Buffalo Prairie, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by IL EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Buffalo Prairie Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Buffalo Prairie Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.87 — above typical levels.
Buffalo Prairie's Water Providers
In Buffalo Prairie, IL, the drinking water supply is organized under a single dominant utility — a consolidated structure that shapes how infrastructure investment, regulatory compliance, and rate decisions flow to households. When one provider handles the overwhelming share of residential connections out of 1 tracked system, accountability is clear: service upgrades, EPA violation responses, and tariff changes all funnel through that single organizational structure.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 53 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Buffalo Prairie — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Buffalo Prairie: 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
Buffalo Prairie water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Buffalo Prairie
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61237 | D | CHIGAKWA PARK ESTATES | 53 |
All ZIP Codes in Buffalo Prairie
- 61237 [D]
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.
Buffalo Prairie Community Health Snapshot
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
What You Can Do in Buffalo Prairie
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Buffalo Prairie, IL