Water system

Zion

A
Illinois EPA ID IL0972000 24,442 people Surface water · purchased

What this means for you

Is it safe to drink right now?
Based on the latest EPA data, Zion has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
Should I use a filter?
Yes, we recommend considering one. Lead results are high enough that a certified lead-reduction filter is a sensible precaution.
What kind of filter?
For lead, choose NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead reduction (or RO under 58). See matched standards and product picks.

This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.

Summary: No health-based violations in the last 5 years; 3 monitoring/reporting violations; 1 not yet resolved; PFAS tested (UCMR 5), none above federal limits; Lead 90th percentile above the new 10 ppb action level (LCRI, effective Nov 1, 2027); Lead 90th percentile below the action level (2026).
EPA data snapshot 2026Q3. Grade is TapWaterZip's own score — see methods.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5

No PFAS detected in any UCMR 5 sample.

5 PFAS tested and not detected

HFPO-DA, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFOS (4 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).

Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).

Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.

Lithium (also tested in UCMR 5, not a PFAS; no federal limit): highest location average 10.8 ppb.

Lead and copper

Lead 90th percentile11.2 ppb2026-06-30
Current action level15 ppbLCRI lowers to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027

Above the new 10 ppb lead action level under EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (compliance date November 1, 2027). Today’s enforceable action level is still 15 ppb.

Violations (last 5 years)

BeganTypeContaminant / ruleStatus
2025-07-01Other paperwork/notice violationConsumer Confidence RuleUnaddressed
2024-10-11Other paperwork/notice violationPublic NoticeResolved
2023-10-01Missed or late testing/reportingLead and Copper RuleResolved

Filters matched to this water

FILTER PICKS

Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.

Lead

NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)
Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Under Sink ~$280–350
Under-sink carbon filter; check its listing for lead and PFOA/PFOS claims.
View on Aquasana →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Waterdrop Undersink WD-UA ~$80–120
Undersink carbon block; verify the specific contaminant claims.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Waterdrop G3 / G3P600 RO ~$300–500
Tankless RO; RO broadly reduces nitrate, fluoride, arsenic and many PFAS — confirm the certificate lists yours.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure

Chlorine/chloramine taste

NSF/ANSI 42
Aquasana Clean Water Pitcher ~$35
Pitcher for chlorine taste/odor; check the NSF/ANSI 42 listing for the exact model.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Brita Elite Filter ~$20–40
Common faucet/pitcher option; confirm the 42 claim on the box.
View on Brita →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure

Annual water quality report

Utilities must publish a Consumer Confidence Report every year by July 1. Find it on the utility’s website or ask them directly; EPA explains how.

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