Palco, KS: 11 Health Violations — 3/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for Palco puts the city in KS's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How Palco Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Palco Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 16 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.014 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 93% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.27 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Palco
Structurally, Palco, KS's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Palco, Kansas (population ~303), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 590 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 11 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Palco: F (3/100)
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
Palco water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0140 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 22 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67657 | F | 16 | 11 | Rooks Company Rwd 3 |
All ZIP Codes in Palco
- 67657 [F] — 16 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 Palco
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 Palco
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Palco's Housing Stock?
With 93% 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 Palco's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1941 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Palco 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.
Palco: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Property equity in Palco sits at a moderate ratio to estimated remediation costs — a classification that reframes the household financial perspective from routine maintenance to deliberate budgeting, where most homeowners have a realistic path to addressing documented water and safety issues if they map the financial commitment against available resources before committing to scope.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Palco. The estimated $1,100–$3,000 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 34% below the Kansas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Palco
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 Palco, where 93% 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 Palco
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Lead can reduce the most common contaminant found in Palco's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 93% 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 Palco, KS