La Harpe, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 23/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in La Harpe has lagged behind IL benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How La Harpe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for La Harpe Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 6 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0335 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,540 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.63 — above typical levels.
La Harpe's Water Providers
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in La Harpe, IL — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in La Harpe, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,617 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for La Harpe: F (23/100)
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
La Harpe water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0335 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 4109 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61450 | F | 6 | 2 | Laharpe |
All ZIP Codes in La Harpe
- 61450 [F] — 6 violations ⚠
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.
La Harpe 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
What's in La Harpe's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
La Harpe Infrastructure Age
With 84% 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
Decades of residential development in La Harpe took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1960, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in La Harpe 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in La Harpe
Elevated equity share — La Harpe sits in the high tier when estimated remediation is measured against property values.
At 6.9% of home value, remediation costs in La Harpe represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,310–$8,820. Home values here are 48% below the Illinois average.
La Harpe: 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.
Children and pregnant residents are the populations for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure. With 84% of La Harpe stock from the pre-rule era and citywide samples past the action mark, household kits and certified filter hardware are available through verified retailer networks.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in La Harpe
- 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. Filters rated for Contaminant 4109 can reduce the most common contaminant found in La Harpe's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 84% 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 La Harpe, IL