Zalma, MO Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Zalma's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for MO — and documented violations are few.
How Zalma Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Zalma Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 64% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.92 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Zalma
Because residential water in Zalma, MO flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Zalma, Missouri (population ~540), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,400 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Zalma — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Zalma: B (73/100)
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
Zalma water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Zalma
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63787 | B | ADVANCE PWS | 1,400 |
All ZIP Codes in Zalma
- 63787 [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 Zalma
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 Zalma's Housing Stock?
With 64% 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
Because the majority of Zalma's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1973 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Zalma 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.
Zalma: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Zalma property market, documented remediation claims a moderate slice of typical equity — real but budgetable.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Zalma. The estimated $800–$1,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 42% below the Missouri average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Zalma
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.
Routinely in Zalma, where 64% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Zalma
The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Zalma, that record documents 8 claims and 100% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase — and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.
Zalma has a moderate flood history with 8 FEMA claims averaging $18,602 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Zalma, MO