Owaneco, IL Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Owaneco, water quality data indicates below-average safety by IL standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Owaneco Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Owaneco Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.09 — above typical levels.
Owaneco's Water Providers
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Owaneco, IL's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Owaneco, Illinois (population ~1,632), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 42,526 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Owaneco — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Owaneco: D (53/100)
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
Owaneco water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Owaneco
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62555 | D | Ej Water Cooperative | 29,720 |
All ZIP Codes in Owaneco
- 62555 [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.
Owaneco 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
Owaneco Infrastructure Age
With 70% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Owaneco's median build year of 1901 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Owaneco 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 Owaneco
Equity impact data for Owaneco lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Owaneco are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 22% below the Illinois average.
Owaneco: 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.
Older stock in Owaneco represents 70% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Owaneco
- 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 70% 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 Owaneco, IL