Johnson County, IL Lead Risk: Housing & Water
Avg lead: 0.0007 mg/L · 0 ZIP codes over EPA limit · 55% pre-1986 housing
Data: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, CDC, U.S. Census Bureau
Lead Testing Trend
Historical 90th percentile lead levels (ppb) from water systems in Johnson County.
Source: EPA ECHO Lead and Copper Rule sampling data. Values are in parts per billion (ppb). When the quarterly source does not publish sample counts, multi-system values are unweighted means of the available system 90th-percentile reports.
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Find the Right Filter →Lead Risk Overview
The average 90th percentile lead level across Johnson County is 0.0007 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L). 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit out of 9 monitored.
Approximately 55% of housing in Johnson County was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned in plumbing. Older homes have higher risk of lead contamination from pipes, solder joints, and fixtures.
Cities with Highest Lead Levels
| City | Avg Lead (mg/L) | ZIPs | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buncombe | 0.0041 | 1 | 1,534 |
| Vienna | 0.0013 | 1 | 6,477 |
| Goreville | 0.0013 | 1 | 3,072 |
| Creal Springs | 0.0000 | 1 | 2,697 |
| Simpson | 0.0000 | 1 | 1,108 |
| Ozark | 0.0000 | 1 | 891 |
| Cypress | 0.0000 | 1 | 393 |
| Belknap | 0.0000 | 1 | 365 |
| Grantsburg | 0.0000 | 1 | 324 |
EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L. ⚠ indicates values exceeding this threshold.
Lead Testing Trend
Historical 90th percentile lead levels from water systems serving Johnson County:
| Year | Lead (ppb) | Samples |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | Not published by source |
| 2022 | 3 | Not published by source |
| 2023 | 0.24 | Not published by source |
| 2023 | 0 | Not published by source |
| 2024 | 0 | Not published by source |
| 2024 | 0 | Not published by source |
| 2025 | 2.6 | Not published by source |
| 2025 | 0.37 | Not published by source |
| 2025 | 0 | Not published by source |
| 2026 | 4.1 | Not published by source |
When the quarterly source does not publish sample counts, multi-system lead values are unweighted means of the available system 90th-percentile reports. They are not weighted by sample count.
Federal Lead Pipe Replacement Funding
Illinois receives $309.6M in federal LCRI funding (FY2025) for lead service line inventory and replacement. 49% is available as grants or loan forgiveness.
Why Lead in Water Matters
Lead is a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure, according to the CDC. Children under 6 are most vulnerable — even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Adults exposed to lead may experience high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.
Lead typically enters drinking water through corrosion of lead pipes, solder, and fixtures — not from the water source itself. This means even water systems with clean source water can deliver lead-contaminated water to homes with older plumbing.
EPA Lead and Copper Rule
Under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule, water systems must test tap water at customer homes. If more than 10% of samples exceed 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L), the system must take corrective action including corrosion control treatment, public education, and potentially lead service line replacement.
The 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require all water systems to inventory their lead service lines and replace them within 10 years. This will significantly impact water systems across Johnson County.
How to Test for Lead in Johnson County
Contact your water utility for free or low-cost lead testing
Certified home test kits — $20-$50 at hardware stores
Professional lab test — $150-$400 for comprehensive metals panel
Run cold water for 30+ seconds before drinking if pipes are older — lead accumulates in standing water
Check your service line — contact your utility to find out if your home has a lead service line
Reducing Lead Exposure
If lead is detected in your water, several steps can reduce exposure:
Flush pipes — run cold water for 1-2 minutes before using for drinking or cooking, especially after overnight
Use cold water for cooking and baby formula — hot water dissolves more lead from pipes
Install a certified filter — NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 certified filters can remove lead
Replace lead fixtures — older faucets and valves may contain lead even if pipes don't
Schools and Childcare Facilities
Schools and childcare centers in Johnson County are required to test drinking water for lead under most state regulations. Many older school buildings have outdated plumbing that can leach lead. Parents should request water testing results from their children's schools and advocate for remediation if levels exceed EPA guidelines.
The EPA recommends that schools take action when lead levels exceed 5 ppb — a stricter threshold than the 15 ppb action level for community water systems.
Data Sources
- Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Blood lead: CDC Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- LCRI funding: EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
Source publication schedules vary. See the page source and verification fields for available timing evidence.
Should you test your water for lead?
Lead comes from your home's plumbing, not the treatment plant. If your home was built before 1986, the EPA recommends testing - especially if you have young children.
Check Lead Filtration Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Johnson County have lead in its drinking water?
The average 90th percentile lead level across Johnson County is 0.0007 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L). 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit.
How old are homes in Johnson County?
Approximately 55% of housing in Johnson County was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned in plumbing. Older homes have higher risk of lead contamination.
How many children in Illinois have elevated blood lead levels?
According to CDC data (2022), 1.5% of tested children in Illinois had blood lead levels at or above 5 ug/dL.
How can I test for lead in Johnson County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost lead testing. Certified home test kits cost $20-$50. Professional lab tests cost $150-$400. Many utilities offer free testing for homes built before 1986.