Sutherland, IA: 1 Violation — 64/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Sutherland, IA: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Sutherland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Sutherland Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 94% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.22 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Sutherland
In Sutherland, IA, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 2 leading providers out of 2 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sutherland, Iowa (population ~1,020), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,741 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 Sutherland: C (64/100)
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
Sutherland water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0017 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51058 | C | 1 | 0 | Osceola Rural Water System-south |
All ZIP Codes in Sutherland
- 51058 [C] — 1 violation
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 Sutherland
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Sutherland
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Sutherland's Housing Stock?
With 94% 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
Reading the housing age data for Sutherland — median build year 1944 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Sutherland 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.
Sutherland: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Is remediation financially manageable for Sutherland homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes — with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Sutherland. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 29% below the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sutherland
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 94% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Sutherland.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sutherland
- 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 Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Sutherland's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 94% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sutherland, IA