Centralia, KS: 4 Violations — 49/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Centralia, water quality data indicates below-average safety by KS standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Centralia Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Centralia Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 71% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.71 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Centralia
3 independent water providers serve Centralia, KS — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Centralia, Kansas (population ~763), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 5,189 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Centralia: D (49/100)
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
Centralia water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Centralia
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66415 | D | 4 | 0 | Nemaha Company Rwd 3 |
All ZIP Codes in Centralia
- 66415 [D] — 4 violations
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.
CDC Health Data for Centralia
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Centralia
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Centralia's Housing Stock?
With 71% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Centralia's median build year of 1951 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Centralia 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.
Centralia: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Viewed from a financial planning lens, Centralia sits in the moderate remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is real, and deliberate preparation separates smooth outcomes from disruptive ones for most homeowners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Centralia. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 47% below the Kansas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Centralia
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.
Routinely in Centralia, where 71% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Centralia
- 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 Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Centralia's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 71% 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 Centralia, KS