Jewett, IL Water Safety: 80/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
EPA compliance records for Jewett tell a largely clear story: violation rates are low, health-based exceedances are uncommon, and the city's grade puts it well above average within IL.
How Jewett Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Jewett Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0058 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.9 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Jewett
2 water systems are tracked federally in Jewett, IL. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Jewett, Illinois (population ~889), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 29,976 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Jewett — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Jewett: B (80/100)
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
Jewett water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0058 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62436 | B | Ej Water Cooperative | 29,720 |
All ZIP Codes in Jewett
- 62436 [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.
CDC Health Data for Jewett
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
How Old Is Jewett's Housing Stock?
With 62% 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 residents trying to assess tap water risk in Jewett, the median build year of 1977 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Jewett 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.
Jewett: Remediation Cost in Perspective
How much of a Jewett home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Jewett are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 41% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Jewett
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.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 62% of the Jewett inventory was built in that earlier era — a share large enough to move household-level reads onto the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Jewett, IL