Powderhorn, CO: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Powderhorn, water quality data indicates below-average safety by CO standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Powderhorn Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Powderhorn Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 37% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.44.
Powderhorn's Water Providers
One utility dominates residential water service in Powderhorn, CO — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Powderhorn, Colorado (population ~137), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 9,610 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Powderhorn — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Powderhorn: D (40/100)
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
Powderhorn water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Powderhorn
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81243 | D | GUNNISON CITY OF | 9,610 |
All ZIP Codes in Powderhorn
- 81243 [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.
Powderhorn Community Health Snapshot
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
Powderhorn Infrastructure Age
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
Reading the housing data for Powderhorn, with a median build year of 1996, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in Powderhorn 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Powderhorn
Placing remediation in the context of Powderhorn's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Powderhorn are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 0% above the Colorado average.
Powderhorn: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in Powderhorn. 37% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Powderhorn
- 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 37% 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 Powderhorn, CO