Water Quality in Buffalo Prairie, IL: No Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 40/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Buffalo Prairie's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
When EPA compliance data is reviewed for Buffalo Prairie, IL, the result holds consistent: zero violations documented across 1 tracked water system, with every health-based limit and monitoring requirement met through the full dataset available in SDWIS.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Buffalo Prairie
Water quality varies across Buffalo Prairie's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61237 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Buffalo Prairie, Illinois receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 40 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Buffalo Prairie. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Buffalo Prairie's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Buffalo Prairie is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
Buffalo Prairie is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Buffalo Prairie
Buffalo Prairie is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 53 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Buffalo Prairie
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Buffalo Prairie vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Buffalo Prairie's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Prairie | D | 0 | 1 | 53 |
| Illinois City | C | 5 | 1 | 53 |
| Huntsville | D | 0 | 1 | 47 |
| La Prairie | C | 1 | 1 | 47 |
Common Questions About Buffalo Prairie Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois:
Is Buffalo Prairie water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Buffalo Prairie's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Buffalo Prairie tap water? Buffalo Prairie's water receives a grade of D (40/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Buffalo Prairie? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Buffalo Prairie vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Buffalo Prairie compares to the broader Illinois average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Buffalo Prairie.
ZIP Codes in Buffalo Prairie
Buffalo Prairie spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.