Carmi, IL Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water in Carmi, IL scores well — low violation counts, above-average safety grade.
How Carmi Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Carmi Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 82% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.74 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Carmi
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Carmi, IL's residential water connections out of 3 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Carmi, Illinois, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 6,896 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Carmi — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Carmi: B (73/100)
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
Carmi water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62821 | B | Carmi | 6,307 |
All ZIP Codes in Carmi
- 62821 [B]
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 Carmi
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 Carmi's Housing Stock?
With 82% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Carmi's housing stock carries a median build year of 1950. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Carmi 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.
Carmi: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity impact of remediation in Carmi sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Carmi. The estimated $800–$2,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 41% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Carmi
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.
When older housing represents 82% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Carmi address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Carmi
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Carmi shows a moderate flood record — 76 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Carmi has a moderate flood history with 76 FEMA claims averaging $16,960 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Carmi, IL