Saint Marys, IA: High Radon Risk — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Saint Marys, IA tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Saint Marys Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saint Marys Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 85% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.21 — above typical levels.
Saint Marys's Water Providers
Because residential water in Saint Marys, IA flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Saint Marys, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 112 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saint Marys — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saint Marys: C (55/100)
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
Saint Marys water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Saint Marys
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50241 | C | Saint Marys Water Corporation | 121 |
All ZIP Codes in Saint Marys
- 50241 [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.
Saint Marys 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
Saint Marys Infrastructure Age
With 85% 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
Because the majority of Saint Marys's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1967 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Saint Marys 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 Saint Marys
Equity impact data for Saint Marys lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Saint Marys 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% above the Iowa average.
Saint Marys: 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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 85% of the Saint Marys inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Saint Marys
- 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 85% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Saint Marys, IA