Palatine, IL Water Safety: 49/100 (2026)
7 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Palatine, EPA compliance records fall well below IL averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Palatine Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Palatine, IL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Palatine score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Palatine Water
- Average lead level: 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,934 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.18.
Who Supplies Your Water in Palatine
Multiple utilities divide Palatine, IL's water service — 3 leading providers among 7 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 7 ZIP codes in Palatine, Illinois (population ~74,414), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 323,539 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Palatine — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Palatine: D (49/100)
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
Palatine water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0150 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 7 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60038 | D | Palatine | 70,875 |
| 60055 | D | Palatine | 70,875 |
| 60067 | D | Palatine | 70,875 |
| 60074 | D | Palatine | 70,875 |
| 60078 | D | Palatine | 70,875 |
| 60094 | D | Palatine | 70,875 |
| 60095 | D | Palatine | 70,875 |
All ZIP Codes in Palatine
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 Palatine
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Palatine Homeowners
In Palatine, 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 Palatine are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,023–$2,903 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 133% above the Illinois average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Palatine
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.
Lead risk in Palatine appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Palatine
152 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Palatine, and 29% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Palatine has a moderate flood history with 152 FEMA claims averaging $7,347 per payout. 29% 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>$1,934</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 Palatine
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Palatine, IL