Kiowa, CO: High Radon Risk - Home Safety Score unavailable
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated
Data: EPA SDWIS
Kiowa Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.004 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 33% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.01.
Water Systems Serving Kiowa
The structure of water supply in Kiowa, CO is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kiowa, Colorado (population ~2,516), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,523 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Water Sources
Kiowa water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0040 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80117 | — | Elizabeth Town of | 4,523 |
All ZIP Codes in Kiowa
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
CDC Health Data for Kiowa
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
How Old Is Kiowa's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Plumbing risk in residential housing tracks directly to construction era: pre-1986 homes may have lead-soldered copper joints; pre-1970 homes may have lead pipes outright. Kiowa's median build year of 1996 places the city in a moderate risk zone where neither era dominates the housing inventory. Understanding which side of the 1986 threshold a specific property falls on - and whether it predates 1970 - is the most actionable starting point for a homeowner trying to assess their own tap water exposure.
Most homes in Kiowa 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.
Kiowa: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Kiowa valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low - most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Kiowa are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 38% above the Colorado average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Kiowa
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted - but 33% of the Kiowa inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Historical Flood-Claim Evidence for Kiowa
Historical NFIP data for Kiowa contains 1 flood insurance claim. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 0% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. The <strong>$3,000</strong> remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kiowa, CO