Stratton, NE: Lead Above EPA Limits — 33/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Stratton, NE shows a low safety grade — health-based violations appear across a meaningful share of service areas in current EPA records.
How Stratton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Stratton Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0153 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 95% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.85 — above typical levels.
Stratton's Water Providers
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Stratton, NE — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Stratton, Nebraska, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 499 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Stratton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Stratton: F (33/100)
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
Stratton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0153 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69043 | F | Stratton, Village of | 310 |
All ZIP Codes in Stratton
- 69043 [F]
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.
Stratton Community Health Snapshot
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
Stratton Infrastructure Age
With 95% 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
Decades of residential development in Stratton took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1947, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in Stratton 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Stratton
Remediation costs in Stratton represent a substantial share of typical property values — the equity impact here is significant, and careful financial planning is essential rather than optional for most homeowners.
At 9.0% of home value, remediation costs in Stratton represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,600–$9,100. Home values here are 56% below the Nebraska average.
Stratton: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Children and pregnant residents are the populations for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure. With 95% of Stratton stock from the pre-rule era and citywide samples past the action mark, household kits and certified filter hardware are available through verified retailer networks.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Stratton
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 95% 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 Stratton, NE