Worthington, IA: High Radon Risk — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Worthington tap water shows a mixed record for IA — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Worthington Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Worthington Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.36 — above typical levels.
Worthington's Water Providers
A single dominant system supplies most of Worthington, IA. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Worthington, Iowa, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 805 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Worthington — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Worthington: C (55/100)
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
Worthington water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Worthington
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52078 | C | Worthington Water Supply | 382 |
All ZIP Codes in Worthington
- 52078 [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.
Worthington 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
Worthington Infrastructure Age
With 73% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Worthington's median build year of 1966 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Worthington 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 Worthington
Across Worthington, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Worthington are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 25% above the Iowa average.
Worthington: 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.
When older housing represents 73% 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 Worthington address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Worthington
- 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 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Worthington, IA