Polk, MO Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Polk reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in MO — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Polk Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Polk Water
- Homes built before 1986: 13% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.91 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Polk
One utility dominates residential water service in Polk, MO — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Polk, Missouri, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 132 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Polk — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Polk: 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
Polk water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Polk
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65727 | D | LOUISBURG PWS | 122 |
All ZIP Codes in Polk
- 65727 [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.
Health Outcomes in Polk
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 Polk
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Since 1986, federal law has prohibited lead solder in new residential plumbing. With a median build year of 1995, much of Polk's housing falls on the safer side of that line — though homes built before 1986 still warrant testing regardless of the city-wide profile.
Most homes in Polk 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.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Polk
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.
Through the multi-year window of EPA Lead and Copper Rule monitoring, Polk has stayed under the action mark. Paired with a 13% pre-rule housing share, the result places lead in a lower-priority spot on the local picture — without erasing the structural gap between citywide averages and what arrives at one specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Polk
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Polk, MO