CITY REPORT IA

Alleman, IA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03

For households across Alleman, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by IA EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.

How Alleman Compares

Alleman40/100
Iowa avg59/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
2
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
D · 40
Avg Safety Score
Zone 1
Radon Risk (High)
$294K
Median Home Value
$1,200
Est. Remediation (0.4% of home value)

Key Facts for Alleman Residents

  • Homes built before 1986: 63% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 11.97.

Alleman's Water Providers

2 water systems are tracked federally in Alleman, IA. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.

Des Moines Water Works
Serves ~246,055 people
40
/100
ELKHART WATER SUPPLY
Serves ~882 people
40
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Alleman, Iowa (population ~490), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 246,937 people region-wide.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Alleman — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Alleman: 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

Alleman water systems draw from: Groundwater.

Lead & Copper

  • Lead data: not yet available for Alleman
  • 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
50007 D Des Moines Water Works 246,055

All ZIP Codes in Alleman

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Alleman Community Health Snapshot

9.8%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
10.1%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
17.2%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 9.8% ↓
Diabetes 10.1% ↓
Mental Health 17.2% ↑

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

Alleman Infrastructure Age

1974
Median Build Year
63%
Built Before 1986
34%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

With 63% 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

Reading the housing age data for Alleman — median build year 1974 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.

1974
Median Year Built
63%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
34%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (34%) 1970–1986 (29%) Post-1986 (37%)

Over half of homes in Alleman 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.

How Remediation Costs Compare in Alleman

When remediation costs are measured against Alleman home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.

Median Home Value
$294,300
Est. Remediation
$1,200
Remediation as % of home value 0.4%

Remediation costs in Alleman are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 79% above the Iowa average.

Alleman: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

63%
Homes Built Before 1986

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.

63% of Alleman housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

What You Can Do in Alleman

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 63% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
  4. Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Alleman, IA?
Alleman has an average water safety score of 40/100 (Grade D). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How does Alleman compare to Iowa average?
Alleman has an average water safety score of 40/100, which is below the Iowa state average of 59/100.
How many water systems serve Alleman?
Alleman is served by 2 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 490 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Alleman?
Estimated remediation costs in Alleman average $1,200 per household, ranging from $800 to $1,500. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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