Harlan, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Harlan, IA reveals a split picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.
How Harlan Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Harlan Water
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.95 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Harlan
Harlan, IA draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Harlan, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 6,480 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Harlan — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Harlan: 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
Harlan water systems draw from: Groundwater.
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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51537 | C | Harlan Municipal Utilities | 5,067 |
| 51593 | C | Harlan Municipal Utilities | 5,067 |
All ZIP Codes in Harlan
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 Harlan
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Harlan Homeowners
The household financial perspective in Harlan reflects a moderate cost-to-value ratio — an equity share that is not trivially small but remains within the range where most homeowners can address documented water and safety issues by treating the expense as a real line item in property planning rather than a discretionary one.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Harlan. The estimated $1,200–$2,400 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 2% below the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Harlan
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 Harlan 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Harlan
Flood exposure in Harlan is meaningful by NFIP measures — 15 claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Harlan has a moderate flood history with 15 FEMA claims averaging $17,178 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,800</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Harlan
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Harlan, IA