Plains, KS: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
While Plains avoids KS's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Plains Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Plains Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0025 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 91% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.68 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Plains
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Plains, KS. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Plains, Kansas, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,518 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Plains — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Plains: C (66/100)
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
Plains water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67869 | C | City of Plains, | 1,023 |
All ZIP Codes in Plains
- 67869 [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.
CDC Health Data for Plains
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 Plains's Housing Stock?
With 91% 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 Plains's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1963 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Plains 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.
Plains: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The household financial picture for Plains homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Plains are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% below the Kansas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Plains
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 Plains, where 91% 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 Plains
- 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 91% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Plains, KS