Sharpsburg, IA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Sharpsburg, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for IA — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Sharpsburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Sharpsburg Water
- Homes built before 1986: 99% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.51 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Sharpsburg
Water service in Sharpsburg, IA is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sharpsburg, Iowa (population ~100), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,339 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sharpsburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sharpsburg: 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
Sharpsburg water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sharpsburg
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50862 | D | LENOX WATER SUPPLY | 1,339 |
All ZIP Codes in Sharpsburg
- 50862 [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.
Health Outcomes in Sharpsburg
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 Sharpsburg
With 99% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Sharpsburg — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1902 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Sharpsburg 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Sharpsburg Homeowners
How does remediation fit within the broader financial picture for Sharpsburg homeowners? The equity share is moderate — large enough that treating it as a real planning consideration makes sense, and manageable enough that most homeowners have a clear path to addressing documented water and safety issues when they approach the commitment with deliberate advance budgeting rather than as an unplanned expense.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Sharpsburg. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 33% below the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Sharpsburg
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 99% of Sharpsburg homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sharpsburg
- 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 99% 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 Sharpsburg, IA