Shirley, AR: High Radon Risk — 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Shirley, water quality data indicates below-average safety by AR standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Shirley Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Shirley Water
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.17 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Shirley
Multiple utilities divide Shirley, AR's water service — 3 leading providers among 4 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Shirley, Arkansas (population ~3,982), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 16,276 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Shirley — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Shirley: D (50/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Shirley water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Shirley
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72153 | D | WEST STONE COUNTY WATER ASSN | 5,188 |
All ZIP Codes in Shirley
- 72153 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Shirley
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Shirley
With 43% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Shirley, the median build year of 1981 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Shirley were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Shirley Homeowners
Because property values in Shirley comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Shirley are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 7% below the Arkansas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Shirley
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 43% of Shirley homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Shirley
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 43% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Shirley, AR