Swisher, IA: 2 Health Violations — 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Swisher shows moderate tap water quality for IA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Swisher Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Swisher Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 12 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.47.
Water Systems Serving Swisher
Federal records list 5 water systems tied to Swisher, 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 Swisher, Iowa, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 3,865 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Swisher: C (65/100)
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
Swisher water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2257 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52338 | C | 12 | 2 | Royal Oaks Subdivision |
All ZIP Codes in Swisher
- 52338 [C] — 12 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.
CDC Health Data for Swisher
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 Swisher
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Swisher's Housing Stock?
With 44% 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
Roughly balanced between older and newer construction, Swisher shows a median build year of 1998 — a mid-range figure that places meaningful amounts of the residential inventory on both sides of the 1986 federal plumbing-solder ban.
Most homes in Swisher were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Swisher: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Swisher, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Swisher are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,750–$3,900 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 134% above the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Swisher
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 44% of Swisher 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Swisher
How does Swisher's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 3 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% 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.
Swisher has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $5,081 per payout. 100% 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>$2,700</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 Swisher
- 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 Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Swisher's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Swisher, IA