New Lenox, IL: 1 Health Violation — 69/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
New Lenox's water quality grade in IL reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How New Lenox Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for New Lenox Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 11 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0019 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 36% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.84.
New Lenox's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve New Lenox, IL — 7 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in New Lenox, Illinois (population ~37,481), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 243,081 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 New Lenox: C (69/100)
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
New Lenox water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0019 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2033 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60451 | C | 11 | 1 | New Lenox |
All ZIP Codes in New Lenox
- 60451 [C] — 11 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.
New Lenox 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 New Lenox's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
New Lenox Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. New Lenox's median build year of 1996 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in New Lenox were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in New Lenox
In New Lenox, 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 New Lenox are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 103% above the Illinois average.
New Lenox: 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.
Routinely in New Lenox, where 36% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
New Lenox: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, New Lenox shows a moderate flood record — 88 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
New Lenox has a moderate flood history with 88 FEMA claims averaging $7,709 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 New Lenox
- 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 Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in New Lenox's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 36% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for New Lenox, IL