Williamson, IA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Williamson'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 Williamson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Williamson Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.25 — above typical levels.
Williamson's Water Providers
As of current federal records, Williamson, IA is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Williamson, Iowa (population ~228), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,381 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Williamson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Williamson: D (40/100)
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
Williamson water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Williamson
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50272 | D | CHARITON MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS | 4,381 |
All ZIP Codes in Williamson
- 50272 [D]
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.
Williamson Community Health Snapshot
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
Williamson Infrastructure Age
With 84% 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
Because the majority of Williamson's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1901 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Williamson 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Williamson
Across the Williamson housing market, the estimated remediation share sits at an elevated level — the cost-to-value ratio here is high enough that addressing documented water and safety issues becomes a material equity decision rather than routine maintenance, and most homeowners benefit from treating it as a structured financial planning exercise.
At 2.5% of home value, remediation costs in Williamson 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 71% below the Iowa average.
Williamson: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Older stock in Williamson represents 84% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Williamson
- 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 84% 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 Williamson, IA