Water Quality in Cottage Hills, IL: No Violations - Grade C
Grade C · Score 55/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Cottage Hills's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
When EPA compliance data is reviewed for Cottage Hills, IL, the result holds consistent: zero violations documented across 4 tracked water systems, with every health-based limit and monitoring requirement met through the full dataset available in SDWIS.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cottage Hills
Cottage Hills is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62018 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Cottage Hills, Illinois receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 55 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 4 water systems serving Cottage Hills. 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 C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Cottage Hills'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
Lead testing data for Cottage Hills is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Cottage Hills 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
Cottage Hills is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Cottage Hills
Cottage Hills is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,006 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 Cottage Hills. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Cottage Hills
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cottage Hills. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-02-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-27 | State Formal Action |
| 2023-01-27 | State Filed Suit |
| 2022-11-18 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-10-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-10-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-09.
Cottage Hills vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Cottage Hills's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Hills | C | 0 | 4 | 3,006 |
| Farmington | C | 3 | 3 | 3,018 |
| Saint Jacob | B | 6 | 3 | 3,018 |
| Galva | C | 1 | 3 | 2,992 |
Common Questions About Cottage Hills Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Cottage Hills, Illinois:
Is Cottage Hills water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Cottage Hills's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Cottage Hills tap water? Cottage Hills's water receives a grade of C (55/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Cottage Hills? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Cottage Hills vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Cottage Hills 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 Cottage Hills.
ZIP Codes in Cottage Hills
Cottage Hills 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.