Lake Forest, IL: 1 Health Violation — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Lake Forest tap water shows a mixed record for IL — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Lake Forest Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Lake Forest Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0081 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 64% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.37.
Lake Forest's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Lake Forest, IL — 6 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lake Forest, Illinois (population ~20,957), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 91,085 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lake Forest: C (66/100)
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
Lake Forest water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0081 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60045 | C | 3 | 1 | Lake Forest |
All ZIP Codes in Lake Forest
- 60045 [C] — 3 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.
Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Lake Forest Infrastructure Age
With 64% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Lake Forest's housing stock carries a median build year of 1973. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Lake Forest are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 389% above the Illinois average.
Lake Forest: 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 stock in Lake Forest represents 64% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Lake Forest: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Lake Forest falls in moderate-exposure territory — 42 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Lake Forest has a moderate flood history with 42 FEMA claims averaging $5,408 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>$1,900</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 Lake Forest
- 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. Filters rated for Chlorite can reduce the most common contaminant found in Lake Forest's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 64% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lake Forest, IL