Gurnee, IL Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Throughout Gurnee and across its water systems, EPA compliance data for IL shows above-average performance — violations are minimal, none of the tracked systems have recorded repeated MCL exceedances in recent cycles, and the safety picture has held steady across multiple reporting periods.
How Gurnee Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Gurnee Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0023 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 39% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.37.
Gurnee's Water Providers
Across Gurnee, IL, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 4 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Gurnee, Illinois (population ~37,208), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 137,925 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Gurnee — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gurnee: B (73/100)
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
Gurnee water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0023 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60031 | B | Gurnee | 30,193 |
All ZIP Codes in Gurnee
- 60031 [B]
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.
Gurnee 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
Gurnee Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Roughly balanced between older and newer construction, Gurnee shows a median build year of 1998 — a mid-range figure that places meaningful amounts of the residential inventory on both sides of the 1986 federal plumbing-solder ban.
Most homes in Gurnee 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Gurnee
Across Gurnee, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Gurnee are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 75% above the Illinois average.
Gurnee: 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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 39% of Gurnee homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Gurnee: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
How does Gurnee's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 124 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Gurnee has a moderate flood history with 124 FEMA claims averaging $30,846 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>$2,200</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gurnee, IL