College Springs, IA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Federal monitoring data for College Springs puts the city in IA's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How College Springs Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
College Springs Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 91% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.36 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving College Springs
Federal records list 1 water system serving College Springs, IA. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in College Springs, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 214 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in College Springs — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for College Springs: 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
College Springs water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for College Springs
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51637 | D | SHAMBAUGH MUNI WATER SUPPLY | 159 |
All ZIP Codes in College Springs
- 51637 [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.
CDC Health Data for College Springs
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 College Springs's Housing Stock?
With 91% 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 College Springs was built in 1904 — 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 College Springs 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.
College Springs: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current College Springs valuations, the remediation share sits in the elevated tier — a level where deliberate financial planning becomes a practical prerequisite rather than a convenience for most homeowners.
At 2.3% of home value, remediation costs in College Springs represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,100–$2,300. Home values here are 55% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in College Springs
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 91% of College Springs homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in College Springs
- 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 91% 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 College Springs, IA