Water Quality in Carbon Cliff, IL: 9 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Carbon Cliff's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Carbon Cliff, IL document 9 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Carbon Cliff
Water quality varies across Carbon Cliff's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61239 | C | 59 | 9 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Carbon Cliff, Illinois receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 59 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Carbon Cliff have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,134 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Carbon Cliff's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Carbon Cliff water systems is 0.0033 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 47% of homes built before 1986, Carbon Cliff has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Carbon Cliff 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 Carbon Cliff
Carbon Cliff is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,134 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
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Carbon Cliff. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Carbon Cliff
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
Contaminants Detected in Carbon Cliff Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Carbon Cliff's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Carbon Cliff. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-29 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-28 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-13 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-11.
Carbon Cliff vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Carbon Cliff's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Cliff | C | 9 | 1 | 2,134 |
| Barstow | D | 0 | 1 | 2,134 |
| Palmyra | D | 23 | 3 | 2,138 |
| Orion | C | 10 | 2 | 2,129 |
Common Questions About Carbon Cliff Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Carbon Cliff, Illinois:
Is Carbon Cliff water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Carbon Cliff's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Carbon Cliff tap water? Carbon Cliff's water receives a grade of C (59/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Carbon Cliff? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Carbon Cliff vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Carbon Cliff 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 Carbon Cliff.
ZIP Codes in Carbon Cliff
Carbon Cliff spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 61239. 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.