Elmer, MO Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Elmer show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in MO.
How Elmer Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Elmer Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0022 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.44 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Elmer
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Elmer, 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 Elmer, Missouri (population ~133), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 18,830 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Elmer — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Elmer: B (83/100)
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
Elmer water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0022 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63538 | B | Macon Company Pwsd 1 | 12,865 |
All ZIP Codes in Elmer
- 63538 [B]
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 Elmer
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 Elmer's Housing Stock?
With 74% 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, Elmer's housing stock carries a median build year of 1946. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Elmer 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.
Elmer: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The household financial picture for Elmer 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 Elmer are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 39% below the Missouri average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Elmer
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.
When older housing represents 74% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Elmer address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Elmer, MO