Montrose, IL Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in IL, Montrose scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Montrose Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Montrose Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0039 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 69% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.84 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Montrose
Montrose, IL draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 4 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Montrose, Illinois (population ~1,044), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 33,156 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Montrose — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Montrose: B (83/100)
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
Montrose water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0039 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62445 | B | Ej Water Cooperative | 29,720 |
All ZIP Codes in Montrose
- 62445 [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 Montrose
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 Montrose's Housing Stock?
With 69% 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
Montrose's housing stock is predominantly older, with a median build year of 1962 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 Montrose 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.
Montrose: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Low proportionality — that's the Montrose picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Montrose are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 2% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Montrose
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.
69% of Montrose housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Montrose, IL