ZIP Code 61089 Water Quality & Testing Report
Winslow, IL · Stephenson County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 61089 (Winslow, IL)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 61089 (Winslow, IL) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of D (41/100) due to 1 health violation(s) and 17.4 ppb lead. While treated by LENA, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Poor — Multiple violations recorded
Health Violations
1
Total Violations
11
Lead Risk
Very High
Contaminants
1
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 6 unresolved violations. Contact LENA for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 61089
Tap water in ZIP code 61089 (Winslow, IL) is distributed by LENA (EPA ID: IL1770300), serving approximately 2,680 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of D with a composite quality score of 41/100.
Water System
LENA
EPA ID: IL1770300
Water Source
Ground Water
Population Served
2,680 residents
County
Stephenson County County, Illinois
Lead Levels in ZIP 61089
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 17.4 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level
Lead exposure risk in 61089 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 89% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 61089 is Very Hard (242 mg/L / 14.2 GPG). High concentrations of dissolved limestone minerals cause severe mineral buildup, stiff laundry, dry skin, and premature water heater wear.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: LENA · PWSID: IL1770300
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
LENA has recorded 1 health-based violation out of 11 total violations over the past 5 years. 6 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Ground Water
This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 61089
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 61089 served by LENA can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 61089 Recommendations
Serious water quality concerns — action recommended
- 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
- 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
- 🚨 Contact LENA to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
- 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
- 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 61089 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 61089?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 61089 (Winslow, IL)?+
How hard is the tap water in 61089?+
Should I test private well water in 61089?+
What is the lead level in 61089 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 61089?+
Who provides tap water to 61089?+
What water filter should I use in 61089?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 61089 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by LENA. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →