West Brooklyn, IL: Lead Above EPA Limits — 29/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, West Brooklyn shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within IL — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How West Brooklyn Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
West Brooklyn Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0253 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 89% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,540 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.16 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving West Brooklyn
Across most of West Brooklyn, IL, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Brooklyn, Illinois, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 606 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Brooklyn: F (29/100)
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
West Brooklyn water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0253 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 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61378 | F | 2 | 0 | West Brooklyn |
All ZIP Codes in West Brooklyn
- 61378 [F] — 2 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.
CDC Health Data for West Brooklyn
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
Key Contaminants Detected in West Brooklyn
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is West Brooklyn's Housing Stock?
With 89% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, West Brooklyn is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1902 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in West Brooklyn 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.
West Brooklyn: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Remediation costs in West Brooklyn 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 3.8% of home value, remediation costs in West Brooklyn represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,360–$8,620. Home values here are 7% below the Illinois average.
Protecting Children from Lead in West Brooklyn
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.
Throughout the multi-year monitoring window under Lead and Copper Rule sampling, citywide samples for West Brooklyn have moved past the regulatory action mark, and 89% of local stock comes from the pre-rule era. Both the housing inventory and the system data support active household-level reads as a practical step.
<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 West Brooklyn
- 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. Filters rated for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) can reduce the most common contaminant found in West Brooklyn's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 89% 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 West Brooklyn, IL