Reynolds, IL: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Reynolds, safety results are uneven — a portion carry active or recent violations, while others meet federal standards without incident, placing the city in the middle tier for IL.
How Reynolds Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Reynolds Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0021 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 90% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.19 — above typical levels.
Reynolds's Water Providers
The structure of water supply in Reynolds, IL is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Reynolds, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 960 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Reynolds — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Reynolds: C (66/100)
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
Reynolds water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0021 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61279 | C | Reynolds | 508 |
All ZIP Codes in Reynolds
- 61279 [C]
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.
Reynolds 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
Reynolds Infrastructure Age
With 90% 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 a city's housing median build year is 1956, as in Reynolds, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Reynolds 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 Reynolds
Equity impact data for Reynolds lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Reynolds are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 10% below the Illinois average.
Reynolds: 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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 90% of the Reynolds inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Reynolds
- 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 90% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Reynolds, IL