Blairsburg, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Blairsburg, IA: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Blairsburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Blairsburg Residents
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 88% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.55 — above typical levels.
Blairsburg's Water Providers
Across Blairsburg, IA, residential water comes from 2 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 2 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Blairsburg, Iowa (population ~397), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 13,037 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Blairsburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Blairsburg: C (66/100)
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
Blairsburg water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50034 | C | Xenia Rwd (des Moines) | 12,860 |
All ZIP Codes in Blairsburg
- 50034 [C]
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.
Blairsburg 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
Blairsburg Infrastructure Age
With 88% 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
The median home in Blairsburg was built in 1952 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Blairsburg 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 Blairsburg
Property value and cost data for Blairsburg produce a moderate remediation-share classification — a level where advance financial planning has real practical value and the commitment is realistic for most homeowners who approach it deliberately.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Blairsburg. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 31% below the Iowa average.
Blairsburg: 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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 88% of Blairsburg homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Blairsburg
- 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 88% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Blairsburg, IA