Waukee, IA: High Radon Risk — 62/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in IA, Waukee carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Waukee Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Waukee Water
- Homes built before 1986: 12% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.65.
Who Supplies Your Water in Waukee
Waukee, IA draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 9 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Waukee, Iowa (population ~27,560), covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 426,930 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Waukee — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Waukee: C (62/100)
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
Waukee water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Waukee
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50263 | C | Waukee Water Supply | 31,823 |
All ZIP Codes in Waukee
- 50263 [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 Waukee
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 Waukee
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
For most of Waukee's housing stock, construction occurred after 1986 — when lead solder in plumbing was federally prohibited. The median build year of 2002 broadly reflects that newer profile.
Most homes in Waukee 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 Waukee Homeowners
Within the Waukee market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Waukee are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 102% above the Iowa average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Waukee
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.
Generally, the structural picture for Waukee runs in a quiet direction. Aggregate sampling rests under the federal action benchmark, and 12% of housing comes from the pre-rule era — a contained local footprint. That dual signal keeps lead in the background of local concerns, while a one-faucet measurement still answers a different question than any system average can: what is actually flowing from one specific tap on a given morning.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Waukee
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Waukee through the NFIP — 3 claims in total, with 100% 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.
Waukee has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $9,941 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>$2,400</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 Waukee
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Waukee, IA