Thurman, IA: High Radon Risk — 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring across Thurman paints a mid-range picture within IA — solid compliance in some service zones, documented concerns in others. Most violations on record are concentrated in specific areas, and the overall grade has held in the middle tier without major shifts in recent monitoring cycles.
How Thurman Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Thurman Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 49% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.42 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Thurman
Water delivery in Thurman, IA is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Thurman, Iowa (population ~301), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,244 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Thurman — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Thurman: 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
Thurman 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51654 | C | Sidney Water Supply | 1,077 |
All ZIP Codes in Thurman
- 51654 [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.
CDC Health Data for Thurman
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
How Old Is Thurman's Housing Stock?
With 49% 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
With a median build year of 1982, Thurman's housing stock reflects a city built across multiple eras. A substantial share of homes predate 1986 — the year lead solder in plumbing was federally banned — meaning the risk from plumbing materials is unevenly distributed across the city's neighborhoods and property types.
Most homes in Thurman 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.
Thurman: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Thurman is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Thurman. The estimated $2,600–$5,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 38% above the Iowa average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Thurman
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.
When older housing represents 49% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Thurman address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Thurman
The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Thurman, that record documents 21 claims and 100% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase — and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.
Thurman has a moderate flood history with 21 FEMA claims averaging $56,203 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>$3,700</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 Thurman
- 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 49% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Thurman, IA