Center, MO Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Center, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by MO EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Center Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Center Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 57% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.74 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Center
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Center, MO's residential water connections out of 3 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Center, Missouri (population ~1,109), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 15,119 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Center — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Center: D (53/100)
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
Center water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Center
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63436 | D | Ralls County Pwsd 1 | 7,662 |
All ZIP Codes in Center
- 63436 [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 Center
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 Center's Housing Stock?
With 57% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Center's housing stock carries a median build year of 1970. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Center 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.
Center: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Center 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 Center are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 0% above the Missouri average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Center
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 57% of the Center inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Center
- 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 57% 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 Center, MO