Shenandoah, IA: High Radon Risk — 67/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compliance figures for Shenandoah indicate average water quality in IA overall — some service areas have recorded health-based violations in recent monitoring cycles, while others operate cleanly, making system-level data the most actionable reference point for residents.
How Shenandoah Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Shenandoah Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.36 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Shenandoah
Federal records list 2 water systems tied to Shenandoah, IA. Of those, 2 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Shenandoah, Iowa, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,562 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Shenandoah — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Shenandoah: C (67/100)
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
Shenandoah water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51601 | B | Shenandoah Water Department | 4,925 |
| 51602 | C | Shenandoah Water Department | 4,925 |
| 51603 | C | Shenandoah Water Department | 4,925 |
All ZIP Codes in Shenandoah
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.
CDC Health Data for Shenandoah
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
Shenandoah: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Property value and cost data for Shenandoah produce a moderate remediation-share classification — a level where advance financial planning has real practical value and the commitment is realistic for most homeowners who approach it deliberately.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Shenandoah. The estimated $1,067–$2,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 26% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Shenandoah
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.
Lead risk in Shenandoah appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Shenandoah
How does Shenandoah's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 2 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 33% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Shenandoah has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $575 per payout. 33% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Shenandoah
- 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 Shenandoah, IA