Malcolm, NE: High Radon Risk - 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-07-19
ZipCheckup grade for Malcolm: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Public water data for Malcolm, NE reveals a split picture - tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.
How Malcolm Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-07-19
What You Should Know About Malcolm Water
- Average lead level: 0.0009 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 49% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.31.
Who Supplies Your Water in Malcolm
For most households in Malcolm, NE, tap water comes from one provider - the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
- C
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Malcolm, Nebraska, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,282 people.
No EPA violations are recorded for the tracked water systems in Malcolm as of the latest reporting period.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Malcolm: 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
Malcolm water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0009 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68402 | C | Malcolm, Village of | 457 |
All ZIP Codes in Malcolm
- 68402 [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 Malcolm
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 Malcolm
With 49% 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
Prohibited from residential plumbing since 1986, lead solder divides Malcolm's housing stock along a timeline that the median build year of 1983 straddles. A meaningful share of homes predates the ban - a configuration that places moderate aggregate pressure on plumbing-related lead risk, distributed unevenly across neighborhoods.
Most homes in Malcolm 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 Malcolm Homeowners
Placing remediation in the context of Malcolm's property market, the equity share is low - most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Malcolm are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 148% above the Nebraska average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Malcolm
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Malcolm - 49% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark - make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Malcolm
- 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 49% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Malcolm, NE