Shawnee, KS: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
6 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Shawnee, water quality data indicates below-average safety by KS standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Shawnee Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Shawnee, KS
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Shawnee score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Shawnee Water
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,817 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.83.
Who Supplies Your Water in Shawnee
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Shawnee, 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 6 ZIP codes in Shawnee, Kansas (population ~74,437), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 482,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Shawnee — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Shawnee: D (47/100)
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
Shawnee water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Shawnee
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 6 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66203 | D | WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO | 482,000 |
| 66216 | D | WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO | 482,000 |
| 66217 | D | WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO | 482,000 |
| 66218 | D | WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO | 482,000 |
| 66226 | D | WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO | 482,000 |
| 66286 | D | WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO | 482,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Shawnee
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.
Health Outcomes in Shawnee
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Shawnee
With 43% 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 story of Shawnee's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1989 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Shawnee were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Shawnee Homeowners
What does remediation cost in financial context for Shawnee homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Shawnee are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,850–$3,900 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 155% above the Kansas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Shawnee
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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 43% pre-rule share in Shawnee keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Shawnee
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Shawnee falls in moderate-exposure territory — 110 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 83% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Shawnee has a moderate flood history with 110 FEMA claims averaging $8,680 per payout. 83% 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>$2,817</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 Shawnee
- 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 43% 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 Shawnee, KS