Exceeds EPA Limit Copper EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Copper in Pontiac, IL Drinking Water

Copper data for Pontiac, Illinois · 13,718 residents · 1 ZIP code

ZipCheckup's reading of Copper in Pontiac, Illinois: the highest detected level is 1362 ppb; the EPA limit is 1.3 mg/L (action level). Copper carries a moderate health-risk designation.

Water monitoring in Pontiac, Illinois has logged Copper at detectable levels in recent sampling cycles.

1362 ppb
Max Level Detected
1362 ppb
Average Level
1.3 mg/L (action level)
EPA action level
Moderate
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

Copper in Pontiac Tap Water

Copper has been detected in Pontiac, Illinois drinking water at a maximum level of 1362 ppb — 1.05x the EPA action level.

This analysis covers 13,718 residents across 1 ZIP code in Pontiac.

Pontiac's overall water quality grade is D (46/100).

Is Copper in Pontiac Water Safe?

Copper levels in parts of Pontiac exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.

Copper Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Copper Level EPA Limit Status
61764 1362 ppb 1.3 mg/L (action level) Exceeds limit

Average copper level across Pontiac: 1362 ppb

Health Effects of Copper

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
  • Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
  • Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
  • Infants are more sensitive than adults

Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.

How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Corrosion of copper household plumbing
  • Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
  • New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
  • Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)

What to Do About Copper in Pontiac Water

  1. Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
  2. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
  3. If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
  4. Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.

Related

Home → Contaminants → Copper → Illinois → Pontiac

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Copper in Pontiac, IL Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/copper/pontiac-il/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-copper-pontiac-il,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Copper in Pontiac, IL Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/copper/pontiac-il/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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