Orient, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
State safety rankings put Orient, IL near the lower tier — below-average compliance on record.
How Orient Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Orient Water
- Average lead level: 0.65 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $5,440 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.33 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Orient
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Orient, IL — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Orient, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 407 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Orient — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Orient: D (50/100)
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
Orient water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.6500 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62874 | D | Orient | 362 |
All ZIP Codes in Orient
- 62874 [D]
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 Orient
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 Orient
With 84% 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
While newer cities carry lower aggregate plumbing risk from lead-era construction, Orient sits firmly in the older category. The median build year of 1947 indicates that more than half the housing stock was built before 1986, when lead solder was still legally used in residential copper plumbing — and a substantial portion likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still commonly installed for service lines. These two thresholds together define the elevated plumbing risk environment that older housing cities carry, independent of what the municipal water supply delivers to the meter.
Over half of homes in Orient 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 Orient Homeowners
Remediation costs in Orient represent a substantial share of typical property values — the equity impact here is significant, and careful financial planning is essential rather than optional for most homeowners.
At 10.7% of home value, remediation costs in Orient represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $3,360–$7,520. Home values here are 72% below the Illinois average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Orient
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.
Before the federal action against lead-bearing solder, that material was routinely permitted in new plumbing — and 84% of Orient housing dates from that earlier era. Citywide utility samples have also moved past the regulatory action level. Two independent indicators are aligned here: a majority of buildings carry pre-rule interior lines, while system-level concentrations sit beyond the federal benchmark. Households with kids or pregnant residents can find an in-home test and a certified lead-removal filter through certified retail channels.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Orient
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 84% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Orient, IL