Wetmore, KS: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Wetmore tap water shows a mixed record for KS — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Wetmore Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Wetmore Water
- Average lead level: 0.0025 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 81% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.71 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Wetmore
3 independent water providers serve Wetmore, KS — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Wetmore, Kansas (population ~617), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 3,596 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Wetmore — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Wetmore: 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
Wetmore 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66550 | C | Nemaha Company Rwd 3 | 2,800 |
All ZIP Codes in Wetmore
- 66550 [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.
Health Outcomes in Wetmore
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 Wetmore
With 81% 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 Wetmore's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1965 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Wetmore 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Wetmore Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Wetmore is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Wetmore are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 10% below the Kansas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Wetmore
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 Wetmore represents 81% 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.
What You Can Do in Wetmore
- 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 81% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Wetmore, KS