Kirkville, IA: High Radon Risk — 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to IA averages, Kirkville scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Kirkville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kirkville Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 71% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.48 — above typical levels.
Kirkville's Water Providers
Federal records track 1 water system in Kirkville, IA, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kirkville, Iowa (population ~254), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 25,529 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kirkville — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kirkville: D (50/100)
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
Kirkville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kirkville
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52566 | D | OTTUMWA WATER WORKS | 25,529 |
All ZIP Codes in Kirkville
- 52566 [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.
Kirkville 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
Kirkville Infrastructure Age
With 71% 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
The median home in Kirkville was built in 1975 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Kirkville 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Kirkville
In Kirkville, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Kirkville are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 53% below the Iowa average.
Kirkville: 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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 71% of Kirkville 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 Kirkville
- 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 71% 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 Kirkville, IA