Stratford, IA: 4 Violations — 59/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Stratford, IA — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Stratford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Stratford Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0055 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 79% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.55 — above typical levels.
Stratford's Water Providers
Federal records list 4 water systems tied to Stratford, IA. Of those, 3 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 1 ZIP code in Stratford, Iowa (population ~1,256), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 24,664 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Stratford: C (59/100)
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
Stratford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0055 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 1003 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 1032 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50249 | C | 4 | 0 | Xenia Rwd (des Moines) |
All ZIP Codes in Stratford
- 50249 [C] — 4 violations
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.
Stratford 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
What's in Stratford's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Stratford Infrastructure Age
With 79% 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
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1941, Stratford falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Stratford 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 Stratford
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Stratford is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Stratford. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 34% below the Iowa average.
Stratford: 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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 79% of Stratford stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Stratford
- 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. Filters rated for Contaminant 1003 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Stratford's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 79% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Stratford, IA