Olive Branch, IL: 3 Violations — 78/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Olive Branch tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for IL — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Olive Branch Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Olive Branch Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 72% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.7 — above typical levels.
Olive Branch's Water Providers
Olive Branch, IL runs on one primary water provider among the 1 federally tracked system. A single utility is responsible for the overwhelming share of residential supply — including the infrastructure, compliance filings, and rate schedules that govern service for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Olive Branch, Illinois (population ~276), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,763 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Olive Branch: B (78/100)
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
Olive Branch water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Olive Branch
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62969 | B | 3 | 0 | Central Alexander Cnty Pwd |
All ZIP Codes in Olive Branch
- 62969 [B] — 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.
Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Olive Branch Infrastructure Age
With 72% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Olive Branch, where the median build year is 1975, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
Within the Olive Branch market, documented remediation claims a significant slice of typical equity — the financial weight here is material.
At 2.2% of home value, remediation costs in Olive Branch represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,200–$2,500. Home values here are 55% below the Illinois average.
Olive Branch: 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.
Locally, 72% of Olive Branch homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Olive Branch: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Olive Branch's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 26 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Olive Branch has a moderate flood history with 26 FEMA claims averaging $33,216 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>$1,800</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Olive Branch, IL