Pilot Mound, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Pilot Mound tap water shows a mixed record for IA — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Pilot Mound Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Pilot Mound Residents
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.67 — above typical levels.
Pilot Mound's Water Providers
Structurally, Pilot Mound, IA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 3 water systems in the area, with 3 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 Pilot Mound, Iowa (population ~248), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 15,455 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pilot Mound — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pilot Mound: 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
Pilot Mound water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50223 | C | Xenia Rwd (des Moines) | 12,860 |
All ZIP Codes in Pilot Mound
- 50223 [C]
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.
Pilot Mound 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
Pilot Mound Infrastructure Age
With 84% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Pilot Mound's median build year of 1901 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Pilot Mound 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Pilot Mound
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Pilot Mound is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Pilot Mound. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 48% below the Iowa average.
Pilot Mound: 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.
When older housing represents 84% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Pilot Mound address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Pilot Mound
- 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 84% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Pilot Mound, IA