Keenes, IL Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Keenes shows a low safety grade within IL — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How Keenes Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Keenes Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 52% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.18 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Keenes
Across most of Keenes, 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 Keenes, Illinois (population ~273), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,516 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Keenes — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Keenes: D (53/100)
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
Keenes water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Keenes
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62851 | D | WESTERN WAYNE WATER DISTRICT | 3,516 |
All ZIP Codes in Keenes
- 62851 [D]
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 Keenes
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 Keenes's Housing Stock?
With 52% 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
Keenes's housing stock is predominantly older, with a median build year of 1984 that reflects decades of construction before federal plumbing standards were tightened. The 1986 ban on lead solder and the pre-1970 era of lead service lines are both relevant benchmarks here — a significant share of the residential inventory predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating an elevated baseline for plumbing-related lead risk that aggregate water quality data may not fully reflect at the household level.
Over half of homes in Keenes 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.
Keenes: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Keenes market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Keenes are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 48% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Keenes
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 52% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Keenes.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Keenes
- 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 52% 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 Keenes, IL