Kirkman, IA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Kirkman, IA: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Kirkman Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Kirkman Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 97% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.11 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Kirkman
Multiple utilities divide Kirkman, IA's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kirkman, Iowa (population ~132), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,380 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kirkman — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kirkman: D (40/100)
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
Kirkman water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kirkman
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51447 | D | Harlan Municipal Utilities | 5,067 |
All ZIP Codes in Kirkman
- 51447 [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 Kirkman
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 Kirkman's Housing Stock?
With 97% 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 Kirkman — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1959 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Kirkman 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.
Kirkman: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Kirkman, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Kirkman are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 48% above the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Kirkman
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 97% of Kirkman 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 Kirkman
- 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 97% 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 Kirkman, IA