Le Claire, IA: High Radon Risk — 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Le Claire meets baseline drinking water standards, some IA-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Le Claire Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Le Claire Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0016 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 58% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Le Claire
Multiple utilities divide Le Claire, IA's water service — 3 leading providers among 7 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Le Claire, Iowa (population ~6,111), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 149,036 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Le Claire — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Le Claire: C (60/100)
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
Le Claire water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52753 | C | Mccarty Creek Homeowners Assn #8 | 85 |
All ZIP Codes in Le Claire
- 52753 [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.
CDC Health Data for Le Claire
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 Le Claire's Housing Stock?
With 58% 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 Le Claire — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1972 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Le Claire 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.
Le Claire: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Le Claire valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Le Claire are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 86% above the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Le Claire
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 58% of Le Claire homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Le Claire
How does Le Claire's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 133 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Le Claire has a moderate flood history with 133 FEMA claims averaging $9,916 per payout. 100% 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>$3,000</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 Le Claire
- 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 58% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Le Claire, IA