Dawson, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 29/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Dawson, IL tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Dawson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Dawson Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 5 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0249 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 64% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $5,040 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.45 — above typical levels.
Dawson's Water Providers
Water delivery in Dawson, IL is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 3 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Dawson, Illinois (population ~1,453), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 10,510 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dawson: F (29/100)
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
Dawson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0249 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 4109 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62520 | F | 5 | 0 | Riverton |
All ZIP Codes in Dawson
- 62520 [F] — 5 violations
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.
Dawson 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
What's in Dawson's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Dawson Infrastructure Age
With 64% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Dawson's median build year of 1973 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Dawson 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Dawson
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Dawson homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 2.2% of home value, remediation costs in Dawson represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $3,360–$6,620. Home values here are 22% above the Illinois average.
Dawson: 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.
Pulling a draw-test kit is how individual households confirm what the aggregate already signals: utility readings beyond the regulatory benchmark together with 64% pre-rule stock in Dawson.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Dawson
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Dawson's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 64% 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 Dawson, IL