Peosta, IA: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike many cities its size in IA, Peosta keeps health-based violation rates low — systems here score at or above the state average for tap water safety, with no systemic concerns flagged in the current data set.
How Peosta Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Peosta Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 32% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $4,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.36 — above typical levels.
Peosta's Water Providers
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Peosta, IA — out of 6 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Peosta, Iowa (population ~4,582), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 62,722 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Peosta — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Peosta: B (70/100)
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
Peosta water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52068 | B | Peosta Water Supply | 2,278 |
All ZIP Codes in Peosta
- 52068 [B]
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.
Peosta Community Health Snapshot
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
Peosta Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
For a city with a median build year of 1992, Peosta carries a housing profile that straddles the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in plumbing. Neither predominantly new nor predominantly old, the stock presents a moderate aggregate risk environment — with individual risk varying sharply depending on when and where a specific home was built.
Most homes in Peosta were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Peosta
In Peosta, the equity share of documented remediation is meaningful enough to move the household financial perspective from routine maintenance into deliberate budgeting territory — the cost-to-value ratio is moderate, and most homeowners benefit from mapping the full scope against available budgets before committing.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Peosta. The estimated $3,000–$6,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 110% above the Iowa average.
Peosta: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Wherever 32% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Peosta — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Peosta: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Peosta — 1 insurance claim paired with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Peosta has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $317,328 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>$4,300</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Peosta, IA