Winston, MO Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Winston's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within MO — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Winston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Winston Water
- Homes built before 1986: 69% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.78 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Winston
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Winston, MO — out of 5 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Winston, Missouri (population ~442), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 7,041 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Winston — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Winston: 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
Winston water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Winston
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64689 | D | Daviess County Pwsd 2 | 2,448 |
All ZIP Codes in Winston
- 64689 [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 Winston
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 Winston
With 69% 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
While newer cities carry lower aggregate plumbing risk from lead-era construction, Winston sits firmly in the older category. The median build year of 1967 indicates that more than half the housing stock was built before 1986, when lead solder was still legally used in residential copper plumbing — and a substantial portion likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still commonly installed for service lines. These two thresholds together define the elevated plumbing risk environment that older housing cities carry, independent of what the municipal water supply delivers to the meter.
Over half of homes in Winston 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 Winston Homeowners
In Winston, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Winston are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% below the Missouri average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Winston
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 69% of Winston stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Winston
- 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 69% 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 Winston, MO