Lead Risk in Illinois: Housing, Water, LCRI Data
Avg lead: 0.0047 mg/L · 10 ZIP codes over EPA limit · 72% pre-1986 housing · Updated
Data: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, CDC, U.S. Census Bureau Last verified:
ZipCheckup's lead-risk reading for Illinois: 10 ZIP codes show tap lead above the EPA action level. Around 72% of homes predate the federal lead-solder ban.
Lead Testing Trend
Historical 90th percentile lead levels (ppb) from water systems in Illinois.
Source: EPA ECHO Lead and Copper Rule sampling data. Values in parts per billion (ppb).
City Water Quality Map: Illinois
Each circle represents a city. Size indicates population, color indicates water quality grade. Tap a circle for details.
Cities with Highest Lead Levels in Illinois
| # | City | Lead (mg/L) | Over Limit | Pre-1986 | Population | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland Park | 0.0760 | 1 | 75% | 30,236 | Details → |
| 2 | Highwood | 0.0760 | 1 | 75% | 5,243 | Details → |
| 3 | Le Roy | 0.0490 | 1 | 69% | 4,404 | Details → |
| 4 | Romeoville | 0.0200 | 1 | 33% | 41,933 | Details → |
| 5 | Lemont | 0.0200 | 1 | 40% | 24,255 | Details → |
| 6 | Homer Glen | 0.0200 | 1 | 42% | 22,585 | Details → |
| 7 | Palos Park | 0.0200 | 1 | 61% | 9,889 | Details → |
| 8 | Marseilles | 0.0191 | 1 | 65% | 7,249 | Details → |
| 9 | Seneca | 0.0191 | 1 | 58% | 3,320 | Details → |
| 10 | Barrington | 0.0150 | 0 | 60% | 45,970 | Details → |
Lead Risk Overview
The average 90th percentile lead level across Illinois water systems is 0.0047 mg/L - within EPA limits. Out of 923 ZIP codes with lead data, 10 exceed the EPA action level.
Housing Age and Lead Risk
Lead plumbing solder was banned in 1986. In Illinois, approximately 72% of housing was built before this date, creating elevated risk of lead in residential plumbing.
Lead can enter water through:
- Lead service lines connecting water mains to homes
- Lead solder joints in copper plumbing
- Brass fixtures and faucets containing up to 8% lead (pre-2014)
With 72% of housing stock pre-1986, Illinois has above-average risk from aging plumbing infrastructure. Targeted testing and service line replacement are priorities.
Children's Blood Lead Levels
CDC surveillance data for children tested in Illinois:
| Year | Children Tested | BLL >= 5 ug/dL | BLL >= 10 ug/dL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 187,822 | 1.7% | 0.5% |
| 2019 | 198,506 | 1.8% | 0.5% |
| 2020 | 155,156 | 1.7% | 0.5% |
| 2021 | 170,182 | 1.7% | 0.5% |
| 2022 | 177,033 | 1.5% | 0.4% |
The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children under 6. Even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
LCRI Funding and Service Line Replacement
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require water systems to inventory all service lines and replace lead lines within 10 years.
Federal funding for Illinois:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| FY2025 allotment | $309.6M |
| Additional subsidy | 49% (grants/forgiveness) |
| National total | $3.0B |
Cities with Highest Lead Levels
| Rank | City | Lead Level (mg/L) | ZIPs Over Limit | Pre-1986 Housing | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland Park | 0.0760 EXCEEDS | 1 | 75% | 30,236 |
| 2 | Highwood | 0.0760 EXCEEDS | 1 | 75% | 5,243 |
| 3 | Le Roy | 0.0490 EXCEEDS | 1 | 69% | 4,404 |
| 4 | Romeoville | 0.0200 EXCEEDS | 1 | 33% | 41,933 |
| 5 | Lemont | 0.0200 EXCEEDS | 1 | 40% | 24,255 |
| 6 | Homer Glen | 0.0200 EXCEEDS | 1 | 42% | 22,585 |
| 7 | Palos Park | 0.0200 EXCEEDS | 1 | 61% | 9,889 |
| 8 | Marseilles | 0.0191 EXCEEDS | 1 | 65% | 7,249 |
| 9 | Seneca | 0.0191 EXCEEDS | 1 | 58% | 3,320 |
| 10 | Barrington | 0.0150 | 0 | 60% | 45,970 |
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure affects every organ system. Key health risks include:
Children: Developmental delays, reduced IQ, behavioral problems, slowed growth
Adults: Kidney damage, high blood pressure, reproductive issues, nerve disorders
Pregnant women: Lead crosses the placenta and affects fetal development
How to Test for Lead
- Contact your water utility - many offer free lead testing
- Use a certified test kit ($20-$50) from a hardware store
- Hire a certified lab ($150-$400) for comprehensive testing
- Run cold water for 2+ minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- Install a NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter rated for lead removal
Data Sources
- Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Blood lead: CDC National Lead Surveillance
- LCRI funding: EPA DWSRF allotments
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
Updated daily.
Concerned about lead in your water?
Lead levels vary by water system and housing age. Enter your ZIP code to see lead data specific to your area and find out if your water exceeds EPA limits.
Test Your Water for Lead →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois have lead in its drinking water?
The average 90th percentile lead level across Illinois is 0.0047 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L). 10 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit. Lead can enter water through older pipes and service lines even when source water is clean.
How old are homes in Illinois?
Approximately 72% of housing in Illinois 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.
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. The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.
How much federal funding does Illinois receive for lead pipe replacement?
Illinois receives $309.6M in federal LCRI funding (FY2025) for lead service line inventory and replacement. 49% is available as grants or loan forgiveness.
How can I test my water for lead in Illinois?
Local water utilities in Illinois offer free or low-cost lead testing. Certified home test kits ($20-$50) and certified labs ($150-$400) are also available. Free testing is common, especially for homes built before 1986.