Valparaiso, NE: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Throughout Valparaiso and across its water systems, EPA compliance data for NE shows above-average performance — violations are minimal, none of the tracked systems have recorded repeated MCL exceedances in recent cycles, and the safety picture has held steady across multiple reporting periods.
How Valparaiso Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Valparaiso Water
- Average lead level: 0.0011 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 65% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.67 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Valparaiso
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Valparaiso, NE. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Valparaiso, Nebraska, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,292 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Valparaiso — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Valparaiso: B (70/100)
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
Valparaiso water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0011 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68065 | B | Valparaiso, Village of | 600 |
All ZIP Codes in Valparaiso
- 68065 [B]
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 Valparaiso
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 Valparaiso
With 65% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1974, as in Valparaiso, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso Homeowners
Across Valparaiso, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Valparaiso 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 62% above the Nebraska average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Valparaiso
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 65% of the Valparaiso inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Valparaiso
Valparaiso's NFIP claim count stays on the lower side of the range, suggesting flood exposure that merits baseline awareness rather than active mitigation planning. Water-quality implications of flooding are minimal when events are infrequent and limited in scale.
Valparaiso has a relatively low flood history with 1 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Valparaiso, NE