CITY REPORT NE

Kenesaw, NE: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03

Across water systems in Kenesaw, safety results are uneven — a portion carry active or recent violations, while others meet federal standards without incident, placing the city in the middle tier for NE.

How Kenesaw Compares

Kenesaw66/100
Nebraska avg65/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
1
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
C · 66
Avg Safety Score
Zone 1
Radon Risk (High)
$184K
Median Home Value
$1,200
Est. Remediation (0.7% of home value)

What You Should Know About Kenesaw Water

  • Average lead level: 0.0006 mg/L.
  • Homes built before 1986: 78% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 13.35 — above typical levels.

Who Supplies Your Water in Kenesaw

The structure of water supply in Kenesaw, NE is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.

Kenesaw, Village of
Serves ~919 people
66
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kenesaw, Nebraska, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,108 people.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kenesaw — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Kenesaw: C (66/100)

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

Kenesaw water systems draw from: Groundwater.

Lead & Copper

  • Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0006 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
68956 C Kenesaw, Village of 919

All ZIP Codes in Kenesaw

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Health Outcomes in Kenesaw

9.2%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
11.8%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
14%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 9.2% ↓
Diabetes 11.8% ↑
Mental Health 14% ↓

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

Housing & Infrastructure in Kenesaw

1967
Median Build Year
78%
Built Before 1986
48%
Built Before 1970
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Likely Pipe Material

With 78% 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 Kenesaw's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1967 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.

1967
Median Year Built
78%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
48%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (48%) 1970–1986 (30%) Post-1986 (22%)

Over half of homes in Kenesaw 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 Kenesaw Homeowners

The household financial picture for Kenesaw homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.

Median Home Value
$184,100
Est. Remediation
$1,200
Remediation as % of home value 0.7%

Remediation costs in Kenesaw are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 6% above the Nebraska average.

Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Kenesaw

78%
Homes Built Before 1986
0.0006
mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

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 stock in Kenesaw represents 78% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

What You Can Do in Kenesaw

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 78% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Kenesaw, NE?
Kenesaw has an average water safety score of 66/100 (Grade C). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
Does Kenesaw water have lead?
The average 90th-percentile lead level in Kenesaw is 0.0006 mg/L. This is below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead levels can vary by home — testing is recommended especially in older properties.
How does Kenesaw compare to Nebraska average?
Kenesaw has an average water safety score of 66/100, which is above the Nebraska state average of 65/100.
How many water systems serve Kenesaw?
Kenesaw is served by 1 public water system across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 1,108 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Kenesaw?
Estimated remediation costs in Kenesaw average $1,200 per household, ranging from $800 to $1,500. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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