Urbandale, IA: 9 Violations — 53/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Urbandale's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within IA — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Urbandale Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Urbandale Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 9 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 34% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.97.
Who Supplies Your Water in Urbandale
7 water systems are tracked federally in Urbandale, IA. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Urbandale, Iowa (population ~48,759), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 379,520 people region-wide.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Urbandale: D (53/100)
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
Urbandale water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Urbandale
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 3 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50322 | D | 3 | 0 | Urbandale Water Utility |
| 50323 | D | 3 | 0 | Urbandale Water Utility |
| 50398 | D | 3 | 0 | Urbandale Water Utility |
All ZIP Codes in Urbandale
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 Urbandale
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
Top Contaminants in Urbandale Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Urbandale
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Prohibited from residential plumbing since 1986, lead solder divides Urbandale's housing stock along a timeline that the median build year of 1987 straddles. A meaningful share of homes predates the ban — a configuration that places moderate aggregate pressure on plumbing-related lead risk, distributed unevenly across neighborhoods.
Most homes in Urbandale 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Urbandale Homeowners
In Urbandale, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Urbandale are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,333 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 178% above the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Urbandale
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 34% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Urbandale.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Urbandale
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Urbandale through the NFIP — 29 claims in total, with 33% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Urbandale has a moderate flood history with 29 FEMA claims averaging $23,883 per payout. 33% 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>$1,800</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 Urbandale
- 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 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Urbandale's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 34% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Urbandale, IA