Olds, IA: 2 Violations — 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in IA, Olds carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Olds Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Olds Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.004 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.01 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Olds
2 water systems are tracked federally in Olds, IA. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Olds, Iowa (population ~75), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 584 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Olds: C (65/100)
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
Olds water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0040 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52647 | C | 2 | 0 | Columbus City Public Water Supply |
All ZIP Codes in Olds
- 52647 [C] — 2 violations
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 Olds
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Olds
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Olds's Housing Stock?
With 73% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in Olds, the median build year of 1954 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Olds 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.
Olds: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Low proportionality — that's the Olds picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Olds are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Olds
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 73% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Olds.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Olds
- 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. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Olds's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Olds, IA