Albion, IA: 1 Violation — 64/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Albion, water safety data for IA reveals moderate quality — federal standards are generally met, but documented exceptions exist in specific service areas.
How Albion Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Albion Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0014 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 78% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.82 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Albion
Water service in Albion, IA is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Albion, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 830 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Albion: C (64/100)
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
Albion water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0014 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 1032 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50005 | C | 1 | 0 | Albion Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Albion
- 50005 [C] — 1 violation
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.
CDC Health Data for Albion
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Albion
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Albion's Housing Stock?
With 78% 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
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1956, Albion falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Albion were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Albion: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Albion comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Albion are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 21% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Albion
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 78% of Albion stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Albion
- 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. Filters rated for Contaminant 1032 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Albion's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 78% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Albion, IA