Hinckley, IL: High Radon Risk — 57/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Hinckley, IL reveals a split picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.
How Hinckley Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Hinckley Water
- Average lead level: 0.0101 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 65% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.8.
Who Supplies Your Water in Hinckley
Across most of Hinckley, IL, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hinckley, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,966 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hinckley — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hinckley: C (57/100)
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
Hinckley water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0101 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60520 | C | Hinckley | 2,006 |
All ZIP Codes in Hinckley
- 60520 [C]
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 Hinckley
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 Hinckley
With 65% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Hinckley is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1976 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Hinckley 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Hinckley Homeowners
Is remediation financially manageable for Hinckley homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes — with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Hinckley. The estimated $2,000–$4,000 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 59% above the Illinois average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Hinckley
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 65% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Hinckley.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Hinckley
FEMA data shows 100% of Hinckley's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 10 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Hinckley has a moderate flood history with 10 FEMA claims averaging $24,687 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>$3,000</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 Hinckley
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 65% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hinckley, IL