Swan, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
While Swan avoids IA's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Swan Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Swan Water
- Average lead level: 0.0032 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 57% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.98 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Swan
Multiple utilities divide Swan, IA's water service — 3 leading providers among 3 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Swan, Iowa (population ~221), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 7,439 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Swan — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Swan: C (66/100)
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
Swan water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0032 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50252 | C | Marion Company Rural Water District | 5,687 |
All ZIP Codes in Swan
- 50252 [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.
Health Outcomes in Swan
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 Swan
With 57% 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
The median home in Swan was built in 1985 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Swan 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 Swan Homeowners
Given current Swan valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Swan are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 121% above the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Swan
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Swan have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 57% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Swan
- 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 57% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Swan, IA