Melcher-dallas, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
In recent monitoring cycles, Melcher-dallas tap water shows a mixed record for IA — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Melcher-dallas Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Melcher-dallas Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0014 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 82% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.98 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Melcher-dallas
Melcher-dallas, IA draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 3 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Melcher-dallas, Iowa (population ~1,502), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 39,900 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Melcher-dallas — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Melcher-dallas: 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
Melcher-dallas water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0014 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50062 | C | Rathbun Regional Water Assn (rathbun) | 33,000 |
| 50163 | C | Melcher-dallas Water Supply | 1,213 |
All ZIP Codes in Melcher-dallas
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 Melcher-dallas
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 Melcher-dallas's Housing Stock?
With 82% 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
What does a median build year of 1924 mean for water safety in Melcher-dallas? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.
Over half of homes in Melcher-dallas 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.
Melcher-dallas: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When remediation costs are measured against Melcher-dallas home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Melcher-dallas are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Melcher-dallas
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 82% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Melcher-dallas.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Melcher-dallas
- 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 82% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Melcher-dallas, IA