Grafton, IL: High Radon Risk — 35/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Grafton, IL: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Grafton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Grafton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.67 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Grafton
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Grafton, IL — out of 3 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Grafton, Illinois (population ~1,682), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 55,050 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Grafton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Grafton: F (35/100)
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
Grafton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Grafton
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62037 | F | Il American-alton | 46,127 |
All ZIP Codes in Grafton
- 62037 [F]
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.
Health Outcomes in Grafton
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Grafton
With 46% 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
For a city with a median build year of 1981, Grafton carries a housing profile that straddles the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in plumbing. Neither predominantly new nor predominantly old, the stock presents a moderate aggregate risk environment — with individual risk varying sharply depending on when and where a specific home was built.
Most homes in Grafton were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Grafton Homeowners
At current valuations, Grafton falls in the moderate remediation-share tier — a level where treating this as a budgeted line item rather than an ad-hoc expense is the practical approach.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Grafton. The estimated $1,900–$4,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 21% above the Illinois average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Grafton
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 46% of Grafton stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Grafton
A claim count of 791 in the NFIP database — alongside 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones — points to something data alone can only partly convey: a community that has repeatedly dealt with the full consequences of significant flooding. Treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwater, private wells compromised by surface infiltration, and distribution systems stressed by pressure events are all downstream effects of the flood history Grafton's NFIP record documents.
Grafton has a significant flood history with 791 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $11,814 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$2,900</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 Grafton
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 46% 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 Grafton, IL