Excellent Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper |
1870.0
|
1300 ppb | 300 ppb | Exceeded |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Cerro Gordo, Illinois (61818) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 96 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 22 points above the Illinois state average of 74. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by Cerro Gordo, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 1,433 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Copper that warrant attention.
A score of 96/100 means the water supply in Cerro Gordo, IL meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.
Health Information
Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.
Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.
If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.
Common Questions
Based on EPA data, tap water in Cerro Gordo, Illinois receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 96/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.
ZIP code 61818 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,433 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 61818. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.
No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Cerro Gordo, Illinois during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.
Water systems serving Cerro Gordo, Illinois have received 2 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (copper), residents in Cerro Gordo, Illinois should consider: Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.