Health Violations Found IL 1 HEALTH VIOLATION

Mendota

EPA ID: IL0990550 · 6,926 people served · 3 ZIP codes

Current EPA status: Mendota, 2 open violations, 6,926 people served.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

D · 52
Avg Safety Score
6,926
People Served
3
ZIP Codes Served
7
Violations (5yr)
Groundwater
Water Source
0.0158 mg/L
Max Lead Level — Exceeds Limit
4
Contaminants Flagged
$160K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Mendota Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade D

Service Area Demographics

$73,511
Median Household Income
8,717
Service Area Population
18%
Disadvantaged Population
50th
Poverty Percentile
50th
Energy Burden Percentile
77%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Mendota serves a community with a median household income of $73,511 and an estimated 8,717 residents across its service area. Approximately 77% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Groundwater

Mendota's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
80th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
70th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in LaSalle County, Illinois rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Wastewater Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 80th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 70th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.

Infrastructure Risk

87 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Pipe Material
0 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Stable
Decay Status
Installed 100% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Mendota compares to EPA limits

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) 2 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.08 mg/L
Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns

What This Means For You

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Illinois

0 violations
Abs Water Coop
6,858 people
D 0 violations
0 violations
Mount Carmel
7,015 people
B 3 violations
B 0 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Lead Pipe Replacement Flood Insurance Water Filtration
Lead Pipe Replacement $4,680
Flood Insurance $1,200
Water Filtration $300
Total Estimated Cost $6,180

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

Lead Exposure — Child Lifetime Cost $10,000

Per affected child (EPA est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$7,780
10 years
$15,560
20 years
$31,120

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $6,180 (one-time) vs. $15,560 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Mendota (EPA ID: IL0990550) is a community water system in Illinois that serves approximately 6,926 people from groundwater sources.

This system provides water to 3 ZIP codes across 3 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: D (52/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

1 health-based violation recorded in the past 5 years. 2 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 2, 2025 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2025 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
July 1, 2025 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Unresolved
July 10, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 3 No
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 2 Yes
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 No

Health Risk Details

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (EPA limit: 0.08 mg/L)

Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns At-risk groups: pregnant women, long-term consumers of chlorinated water, people who frequently shower in chlorinated water.

Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), carbon block filter, point-of-entry aeration. Find the right filter →

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
61342 0.0158 mg/L Yes N/A
Lead exceeds EPA action level in at least one sampling location. Consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 filter rated for lead removal.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 1 ZIP code confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 2 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Mendota (IL0990550) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mendota water safe to drink?

Mendota has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Mendota serve?

Mendota serves approximately 6,926 people across 3 ZIP codes in Illinois.

Where does Mendota get its water?

The primary water source is groundwater.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Groundwater
Drawn from underground aquifers via wells.
Disinfectant used
Chlorine
Treatment chemicals reported
chlorine

Source: MENDOTA Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Source water assessment from MENDOTA Consumer Confidence Report:
The source water assessment for our supply has been completed by the Illinois EPA. To view a summary version of the completed Source Water Assessments, including: Importance of Source Water; Susceptibility to Contamination Determination; and documentation/recommendation of Source Water Protection Efforts, you may access the Illinois EPA website at http://www.epa.state.il.us/cgi-bin/wp/swap-fact-sheets.pl.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Standard
Disinfection plus one or more treatment additives — typically corrosion control, pH adjustment, or fluoridation. Standard regime for utilities serving treated municipal water.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
chlorine

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from MENDOTA Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Tested Clean

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). No PFAS compounds were detected.

Samples collected
174

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

34
Confirmed Lead
69
Galvanized — Replacement Required
1,315
Unknown Material
1,363
Confirmed Non-Lead

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2025-07-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 6,926
Reported to Illinois

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Mendota safe to drink?
Mendota has a D safety grade based on 7 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Mendota's water?
Detected contaminants include Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Surface Water Treatment Rule, Stage 1 DBP Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 4 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Mendota serve?
Mendota serves approximately 6,926 people with drinking water across 3 ZIP codes.
What is Mendota's water source?
Mendota draws water from groundwater sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Mendota's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0158 mg/L. This exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. A lead-certified filter is recommended, especially for homes with young children.
What is the demographic profile of Mendota's service area?
The Mendota service area has a median household income of $73,511. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Mendota get its water?
Mendota's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Mendota (EPA ID: IL0990550) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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