Lincoln, KS: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems serving Lincoln hold a strong EPA compliance record — the city places among the better-performing areas in KS with few health-based violations on file.
How Lincoln Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Lincoln Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0031 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 89% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.47 — above typical levels.
Lincoln's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Lincoln, KS — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lincoln, Kansas (population ~1,609), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 5,182 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lincoln — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lincoln: B (70/100)
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
Lincoln water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0031 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67455 | B | Ellsworth Company Rwd 1 | 3,128 |
All ZIP Codes in Lincoln
- 67455 [B]
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.
Lincoln 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
Lincoln Infrastructure Age
With 89% 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 Lincoln'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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Lincoln homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 3.6% of home value, remediation costs in Lincoln represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,600–$3,300. Home values here are 56% below the Kansas average.
Lincoln: 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 Lincoln represents 89% 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.
Lincoln: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood insurance records under FEMA's NFIP show limited historical flood activity for Lincoln. Understanding where a community falls on the exposure spectrum matters for water quality assessment because flooding operates as a compounding hazard: during significant flood events, treatment facilities can be overwhelmed, private wells can be infiltrated by surface runoff, and pressure changes in distribution systems can allow backflow of contaminated water. None of those mechanisms are absent here, but they require event conditions that the current NFIP record suggests have been infrequent.
Lincoln has a relatively low flood history with 1 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lincoln, KS