Rock Falls, IA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Rock Falls, IA: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Rock Falls Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Rock Falls Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.3 — above typical levels.
Rock Falls's Water Providers
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Rock Falls, IA, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rock Falls, Iowa (population ~76), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 378 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rock Falls — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rock Falls: D (40/100)
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
Rock Falls water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Rock Falls
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50467 | D | PLYMOUTH WATER SUPPLY | 378 |
All ZIP Codes in Rock Falls
- 50467 [D]
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.
Rock Falls 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
Rock Falls Infrastructure Age
With 100% 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
The character of Rock Falls's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1952 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Rock Falls 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 Rock Falls
Given current Rock Falls valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Rock Falls are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 3% below the Iowa average.
Rock Falls: 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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Rock Falls have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 100% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Rock Falls
- 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 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Rock Falls, IA