Fairfield, IA: 10 Violations — 61/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to top-scoring cities in IA, Fairfield lands in the middle tier — some water systems meet standards cleanly, others carry documented violations, and performance can vary significantly across service areas.
How Fairfield Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Fairfield Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 10 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.34 — above typical levels.
Fairfield's Water Providers
Residential addresses in Fairfield, IA are served by 3 primary water providers out of 4 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Fairfield, Iowa (population ~12,201), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 43,429 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fairfield: C (61/100)
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
Fairfield water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 6 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52556 | C | 5 | 0 | Fairfield Water Supply |
| 52557 | C | 5 | 0 | Fairfield Water Supply |
All ZIP Codes in Fairfield
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.
Fairfield 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
What's in Fairfield's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Fairfield
While Fairfield homeowners face a manageable path to remediation, the equity share sits in the moderate tier — a signal that proactive budgeting matters more here than in lower-ratio markets.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Fairfield. The estimated $1,100–$2,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 2% above the Iowa average.
Fairfield: 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.
Lead risk in Fairfield appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Fairfield
- 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. Filters rated for Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Fairfield's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fairfield, IA