Water Quality in Forest City, IL: 5 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Forest City'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
Water systems in Forest City, IL have accumulated 5 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Forest City
Water quality varies across Forest City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61532 | C | 66 | 5 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Forest City, Illinois receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Forest City have accumulated 5 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 222 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Forest City'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 Forest City water systems is 0.0021 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 80% of homes built before 1986, Forest City 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
Forest City 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 Forest City
Forest City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 222 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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Forest City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Forest City
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 Forest City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Forest City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment 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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Forest City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-24.
Forest City vs. Nearby Illinois Cities
How Forest City's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest City | C | 5 | 1 | 222 |
| Topeka | D | 0 | 1 | 222 |
| Wellington | B | 0 | 1 | 222 |
| Barnhill | D | 0 | 1 | 224 |
Common Questions About Forest City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Forest City, Illinois:
Is Forest City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Forest City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Forest City tap water? Forest City's water receives a grade of C (66/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Forest City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Forest City vs. Illinois Average
Understanding how Forest City 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 Forest City.
ZIP Codes in Forest City
Forest City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 61532. 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.