Oelwein, IA: High Radon Potential Area - Home Safety Score unavailable
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated
Data: EPA SDWIS
Oelwein Water: The Quick Version
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0042 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 85% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 14.61.
Water Systems Serving Oelwein
Because water system records on this page are matched to Oelwein, IA through ZIP codes rather than street addresses, the single system in the list below reflects that matching, while federal data connect 1 to the area overall. Anyone unsure which utility supplies a home can check the water bill or contact the utility directly.
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Oelwein, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 6,497 people. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Water Sources
Oelwein water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0042 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
1 of 1 ZIP records with known zones is in EPA Radon Zone 1.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50662 | — | Oelwein Municipal Water Works | 5,920 |
All ZIP Codes in Oelwein
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
CDC Health Data for Oelwein
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). County health indicators are shown for context only and are not linked to this area's water records.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Oelwein's Housing Stock?
With 85% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. Federal law banned lead solder in drinking-water plumbing in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead can reach tap water from service lines, solder and brass fittings inside a building, which is why housing age draws attention in Oelwein, where the median build year is 1956.
Over half of homes in Oelwein were built before 1986, when federal law began restricting lead solder in drinking-water plumbing. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Oelwein
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Historical Flood-Claim Evidence for Oelwein
Historical NFIP data for Oelwein contains 46 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $5,482. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 100% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Oelwein, IA