Rome, IA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 33/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Rome show elevated violation counts against IA benchmarks — the low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Rome Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Rome Water
- Average lead level: 0.024 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.01 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Rome
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Rome, IA. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rome, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 114 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rome — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rome: F (33/100)
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
Rome water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0240 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52642 | F | Rome Water Supply | 114 |
All ZIP Codes in Rome
- 52642 [F]
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 Rome
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
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Rome
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.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Rome
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- 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.
- 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 Rome, IA