Freeport, IL: 1 Health Violation — 56/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Freeport water quality is uneven — some service areas show clean compliance; others carry documented violations in IL EPA records.
How Freeport Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Freeport Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 12 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0044 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 82% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.94 — above typical levels.
Freeport's Water Providers
In Freeport, IL, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 3 leading providers out of 4 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Freeport, Illinois, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 29,072 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Freeport: C (56/100)
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
Freeport water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0044 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61032 | C | 12 | 1 | Freeport |
All ZIP Codes in Freeport
- 61032 [C] — 12 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.
Freeport 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 Freeport's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Freeport Infrastructure Age
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
Reading the housing age data for Freeport — median build year 1951 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Freeport 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 Freeport
The equity share of documented remediation in Freeport is high — a cost-to-value ratio that places this market in the elevated tier and means most homeowners are weighing a financial decision where scoping by urgency, mapping costs against household budget, and knowing what assistance options exist are practical steps that can materially improve outcomes.
At 3.1% of home value, remediation costs in Freeport represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,150–$4,700. Home values here are 42% below the Illinois average.
Freeport: 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 tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 82% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Freeport.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Freeport: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 100% of Freeport's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 133 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Freeport has a moderate flood history with 133 FEMA claims averaging $11,670 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>$3,300</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.
What You Can Do in Freeport
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Freeport's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 82% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Freeport, IL