New Cambria, KS: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for New Cambria shows a low safety grade within KS — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How New Cambria Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
New Cambria Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 76% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.76 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving New Cambria
With 3 utilities splitting service in New Cambria, KS, water accountability is distributed across 6 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in New Cambria, Kansas (population ~459), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 54,339 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in New Cambria — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for New Cambria: D (45/100)
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
New Cambria water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for New Cambria
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67470 | D | SALINA, CITY OF | 46,481 |
All ZIP Codes in New Cambria
- 67470 [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.
CDC Health Data for New Cambria
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
How Old Is New Cambria's Housing Stock?
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
The character of New Cambria's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1975 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in New Cambria 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.
New Cambria: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity-to-remediation ratio in New Cambria is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in New Cambria. The estimated $1,600–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 17% above the Kansas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in New Cambria
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 76% of New Cambria homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for New Cambria
The NFIP claim record for New Cambria — 27 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
New Cambria has a moderate flood history with 27 FEMA claims averaging $6,545 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in New Cambria
- 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.
- 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 New Cambria, KS