Emerson, NE: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Emerson shows a low safety grade within NE — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How Emerson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Emerson Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 86% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.91 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Emerson
For most households in Emerson, NE, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Emerson, Nebraska, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,196 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Emerson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Emerson: D (40/100)
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
Emerson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Emerson
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68733 | D | HUBBARD, VILLAGE OF | 234 |
All ZIP Codes in Emerson
- 68733 [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.
CDC Health Data for Emerson
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 Emerson's Housing Stock?
With 86% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Emerson is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1944 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Emerson 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.
Emerson: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Setting Emerson remediation figures against its property market, the resulting ratio sits comfortably in the low tier — a classification that reflects the kind of household financial position where most homeowners can identify documented issues, schedule the work, and absorb the cost without it registering as a significant budget disruption.
Remediation costs in Emerson are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% below the Nebraska average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Emerson
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 86% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Emerson.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Emerson
- 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 86% 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 Emerson, NE