Polk City, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Water systems across Polk City produce average compliance results for IA overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.
How Polk City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
What You Should Know About Polk City Water
- Average lead level: 0.0013 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 28% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.97.
Who Supplies Your Water in Polk City
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Polk City, IA's residential water connections out of 7 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Polk City, Iowa (population ~7,290), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 348,290 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Polk City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Polk City: 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
Polk City water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0013 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50226 | C | Polk City Water Supply | 6,533 |
All ZIP Codes in Polk City
- 50226 [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.
Health Outcomes in Polk City
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Polk City
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
A post-1986 majority in Polk City's housing inventory — median build year 2006 — generally signals lower aggregate plumbing-era lead risk.
Most homes in Polk City 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Polk City Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Polk City is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Polk City are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 137% above the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Polk City
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.
Although citywide aggregate readings pass cleanly and just 28% of Polk City housing comes from the pre-rule era, the difference between what utilities sample and what arrives at one specific faucet remains a structural feature of how monitoring works. Households with kids in the home can find a certified lead-removal filter and a draw-test kit through retailer-verified channels. That step is independent of system-level data.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Polk City
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Polk City, IA