Denton, NE: High Radon Risk — 69/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
While Denton avoids NE's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Denton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Denton Water
- Average lead level: 0.0053 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 34% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.31.
Who Supplies Your Water in Denton
Across Denton, NE, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 3 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Denton, Nebraska (population ~993), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 303,756 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Denton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Denton: C (69/100)
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
Denton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0053 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68339 | C | LINCOLN, CITY OF | 296,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Denton
- 68339 [C]
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 Denton
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 Denton
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
Roughly balanced between older and newer construction, Denton shows a median build year of 1992 — a mid-range figure that places meaningful amounts of the residential inventory on both sides of the 1986 federal plumbing-solder ban.
Most homes in Denton 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Denton Homeowners
In Denton, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Denton are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 136% above the Nebraska average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Denton
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 34% of Denton homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Denton
How does Denton's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 3 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Denton has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $1,941 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>$2,400</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.
What You Can Do in Denton
- 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 34% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Denton, NE