Elberon, IA: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Elberon has lagged behind IA benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How Elberon Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Elberon Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0108 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 91% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.73 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Elberon
A single dominant system supplies most of Elberon, IA. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Elberon, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 415 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Elberon — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Elberon: D (47/100)
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
Elberon water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0108 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52225 | D | Elberon Water Supply | 184 |
All ZIP Codes in Elberon
- 52225 [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 Elberon
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 Elberon'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
When a city's housing median build year is 1904, as in Elberon, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Elberon 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.
Elberon: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Elberon comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Elberon are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Elberon
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.
When older housing represents 91% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Elberon address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Elberon
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- 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 Elberon, IA