Dubuque, IA: 9 Violations - Home Safety Score unavailable
5 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated
Data: EPA SDWIS
Key Facts for Dubuque Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 9 violations since 2021.
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 62% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $600 per household.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 12.36.
Dubuque's Water Providers
More than one public water system is linked to Dubuque, IA: federal records tie 7 systems to the area, and the 3 with the largest reported service populations are shown below. Which of them supplies a particular address depends on where the property sits, and a water bill or the utility can confirm it.
Overview
We track home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Dubuque, Iowa, covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 74,730 people. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 3 of 5 ZIP codes.
3 of 3 ZIP codes with a reported violation count in the available EPA record (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation appear in the available health breakdown.
Water Sources
Dubuque water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 3 ZIP codes with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
5 of 5 ZIP records with known zones are in EPA Radon Zone 1.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 5 | 3 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Nitrate | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
| Public Notice Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52003 | — | 6 | 1 | Dubuque Water Works |
| 52001 | — | 3 | 0 | Dubuque Water Works |
| 52002 | — | 1 | 0 | Dubuque Water Works |
All ZIP Codes in Dubuque
- 52001 - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 52002 - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 52003 - 6 violations ⚠
- 52004
- 52099
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Dubuque Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). County health indicators are shown for context only and are not linked to this area's water records.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Dubuque's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Dubuque Infrastructure Age
With 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. Federal law banned lead solder in drinking-water plumbing in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
By Census estimates, roughly half or more of the homes in Dubuque were built before 1986; the median build year is 1974.
Over half of homes in Dubuque were built before 1986, when federal law began restricting lead solder in drinking-water plumbing. 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 Dubuque
Measured against the median home value, the estimated cost of fixing the issues flagged for Dubuque lands in the lowest of the three tiers this page uses.
Estimated remediation costs in Dubuque can be compared with local home values. The $350–$1,000 estimated range can be set against the median property value; actual costs vary by home. Home values are 59% above the Iowa average.
Dubuque: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Dubuque: NFIP Claim Records and Water-Quality Context
Historical NFIP data for Dubuque contains 64 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $10,626. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 50% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. The $600 remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dubuque, IA