Mackinaw, IL: High Radon Risk — 58/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compliance figures for Mackinaw indicate average water quality in IL overall — some service areas have recorded health-based violations in recent monitoring cycles, while others operate cleanly, making system-level data the most actionable reference point for residents.
How Mackinaw Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Mackinaw Water
- Average lead level: 0.01 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 61% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.08 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Mackinaw
Most residential addresses in Mackinaw, IL are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mackinaw, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,436 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mackinaw — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mackinaw: C (58/100)
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
Mackinaw water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0100 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61755 | C | Mackinaw | 3,399 |
All ZIP Codes in Mackinaw
- 61755 [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 Mackinaw
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 Mackinaw
With 61% 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, Mackinaw is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1972 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Mackinaw 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 Mackinaw Homeowners
Is remediation financially manageable for Mackinaw homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes — with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Mackinaw. The estimated $1,600–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 13% above the Illinois average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Mackinaw
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 61% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Mackinaw.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Mackinaw
FEMA data shows 100% of Mackinaw's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 1 claim. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Mackinaw has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $6,212 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>$2,400</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 Mackinaw
- 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 61% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mackinaw, IL