Water Quality in Dawson, IL: 5 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 29/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Dawson's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Dawson, IL shows 5 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Dawson
Water quality varies across Dawson's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62520 | F | 29 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Dawson, Illinois receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 29 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Dawson have accumulated 5 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,375 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Dawson's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Dawson water systems is 0.0249 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 64% of homes built before 1986, Dawson 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
Dawson 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 Dawson
Dawson is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,375 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 Dawson. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Dawson
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 Dawson Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Dawson's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 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 Dawson. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-12-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-11 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-24.
Dawson vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Dawson's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dawson | F | 5 | 1 | 2,375 |
| Caledonia | D | 0 | 1 | 2,372 |
| Catlin | D | 5 | 1 | 2,380 |
| Nokomis | B | 0 | 1 | 2,370 |
Common Questions About Dawson Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Dawson, Illinois:
Is Dawson water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Dawson's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Dawson tap water? Dawson's water receives a grade of F (29/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Dawson? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Dawson vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Dawson 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 Dawson.
ZIP Codes in Dawson
Dawson spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 62520. 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.