Otter Creek Lake Utilities District
EPA ID: IL2015320 · 2,342 people served · 5 ZIP codes
Based on the latest federal compliance data, Otter Creek Lake Utilities District has 2 violations that the EPA has not yet closed — those outstanding findings are part of the enforcement record for a utility that delivers water to approximately 2,342 people throughout its service territory.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Otter Creek Lake Utilities District Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Otter Creek Lake Utilities District serves a community with a median household income of $79,229 and an estimated 26,179 residents across its service area. Approximately 55% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
Environmental Justice Note: 45% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Otter Creek Lake Utilities District'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.
About 1% of homes in Stephenson 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 68th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points.
Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 68th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Otter Creek Lake Utilities District compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Contaminant 4109 at 1 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.
Revised Total Coliform Rule at 1 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.
PFAS Detected in Service Area
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 7 detections recorded. 3 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS). 1 exceeds state limits.
Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Illinois
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
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.
System Overview
Otter Creek Lake Utilities District (EPA ID: IL2015320) is a community water system in Illinois that serves approximately 2,342 people from groundwater sources.
This system provides water to 5 ZIP codes across 2 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: C (61/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2025 | Stage 2 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2025 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 4109 | Other Violation | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 1 | No |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61019 | 0.00284 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Otter Creek Lake Utilities District (IL2015320) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Otter Creek Lake Utilities District water safe to drink?
Otter Creek Lake Utilities District has only monitoring/reporting violations, which are procedural in nature. The system meets federal health-based standards.
How many people does Otter Creek Lake Utilities District serve?
Otter Creek Lake Utilities District serves approximately 2,342 people across 5 ZIP codes in Illinois.
Where does Otter Creek Lake Utilities District get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Treatment regime
How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.
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.
Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from OTTER CREEK LAKE UTILITIES DISTRICT 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.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Otter Creek Lake Utilities District (EPA ID: IL2015320) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.