Caledonia, IL: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for Caledonia puts the city in IL's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How Caledonia Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Caledonia Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.1 — above typical levels.
Caledonia's Water Providers
Caledonia, IL is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 4 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Caledonia, Illinois (population ~2,743), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 67,713 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Caledonia — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Caledonia: 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
Caledonia water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Caledonia
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61011 | D | POPLAR GROVE | 2,372 |
All ZIP Codes in Caledonia
- 61011 [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.
Caledonia 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
Caledonia Infrastructure Age
With 46% 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 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Caledonia, the median build year of 1999 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Caledonia 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Caledonia
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Caledonia is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Caledonia are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 55% above the Illinois average.
Caledonia: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 46% of the Caledonia inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Caledonia
- 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 46% 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 Caledonia, IL