Fort Dodge, KS: High Radon Risk — 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to top-scoring cities in KS, Fort Dodge lands in the middle tier — some water systems meet standards cleanly, others carry documented violations, and performance can vary significantly across service areas.
How Fort Dodge Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Fort Dodge Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0059 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 76% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.8 — above typical levels.
Fort Dodge's Water Providers
Fort Dodge, KS draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Fort Dodge, Kansas, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 127 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fort Dodge — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fort Dodge: C (63/100)
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
Fort Dodge water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0059 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67843 | C | Kansas Soldiers Home | 130 |
All ZIP Codes in Fort Dodge
- 67843 [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.
Fort Dodge 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
Fort Dodge Infrastructure Age
With 76% 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
Reading the housing age data for Fort Dodge — median build year 1961 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Fort Dodge 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.
Fort Dodge: 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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 76% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Fort Dodge.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Fort Dodge
- 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 76% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fort Dodge, KS