Truesdale, IA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in IA, Truesdale carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Truesdale Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Truesdale Water
- Average lead level: 0.0006 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 53% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.28 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Truesdale
Federal records list 1 water system serving Truesdale, IA. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Truesdale, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 146 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Truesdale — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Truesdale: 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
Truesdale water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0006 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50592 | C | Truesdale Water Supply | 69 |
All ZIP Codes in Truesdale
- 50592 [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 Truesdale
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 Truesdale
With 53% 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 character of Truesdale's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1962 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Truesdale 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 Truesdale Homeowners
When the numbers for Truesdale are taken together, the remediation share is clearly in the elevated category — most homeowners here are weighing a commitment that extends beyond routine property upkeep, and the practical value of documenting scope early, prioritizing by urgency, and mapping costs against the household budget is proportionally higher at this tier.
At 3.7% of home value, remediation costs in Truesdale represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $800–$1,500. Home values here are 80% below the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Truesdale
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 53% of Truesdale 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 Truesdale
- 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 53% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Truesdale, IA