Menlo, IA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Menlo has lagged behind IA benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How Menlo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Menlo Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.9 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Menlo
Structurally, Menlo, IA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Menlo, Iowa (population ~677), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 14,674 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Menlo — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Menlo: 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
Menlo water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Menlo
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50164 | D | Xenia Rwd (des Moines) | 12,860 |
All ZIP Codes in Menlo
- 50164 [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 Menlo
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 Menlo's Housing Stock?
With 70% 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
Because the majority of Menlo's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1958 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Menlo 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.
Menlo: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Equity impact data for Menlo lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Menlo are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Menlo
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.
Routinely in Menlo, where 70% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Menlo
- 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 70% 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 Menlo, IA