Kelso, MO Water Safety: 96/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems serving Kelso hold a strong EPA compliance record — the city places among the better-performing areas in MO with few health-based violations on file.
How Kelso Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Kelso Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0059 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 14.97 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Kelso
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Kelso, MO — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kelso, Missouri, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 411 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kelso — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kelso: A (96/100)
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
Kelso water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0059 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63758 | A | Kelso Public Water System | 586 |
All ZIP Codes in Kelso
- 63758 [A]
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 Kelso
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 Kelso's Housing Stock?
With 70% 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 lead that enters tap water in older homes often comes not from the municipal supply but from the home's own plumbing — from solder used in copper joints before the 1986 federal ban, or from lead pipes installed before 1970. In Kelso, where the median build year is 1972, these older materials are widespread. More than half the residential stock predates the 1986 solder ban, and a significant fraction predates 1970 as well. For residents in those homes, the city-wide water quality picture is a less relevant frame than the specific materials inside their own walls and under their own street.
Over half of homes in Kelso 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in Kelso
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.
Locally, 70% of Kelso homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kelso, MO