Epworth, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Epworth, IA: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Epworth Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Epworth Water
- Average lead level: 0.0039 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.36 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Epworth
Multiple utilities divide Epworth, IA's water service — 3 leading providers among 6 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Epworth, Iowa (population ~2,872), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 66,966 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Epworth — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Epworth: 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
Epworth water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0039 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52045 | C | Epworth Water Supply | 2,023 |
All ZIP Codes in Epworth
- 52045 [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.
Health Outcomes in Epworth
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Epworth
With 54% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Epworth — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1989 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Epworth 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Epworth Homeowners
At current valuations, Epworth sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Epworth are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 51% above the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Epworth
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 54% of Epworth 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 Epworth
- 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 54% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Epworth, IA