Dunkirk, OH: 3 Violations — 67/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Dunkirk tap water shows a mixed record for OH — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Dunkirk Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Dunkirk Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0043 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 79% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.61 — above typical levels.
Dunkirk's Water Providers
Federal records list 1 water system serving Dunkirk, OH. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Dunkirk, Ohio, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,519 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dunkirk: C (67/100)
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
Dunkirk water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0043 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45836 | C | 3 | 0 | Dunkirk Village Public Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Dunkirk
- 45836 [C] — 3 violations
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.
Dunkirk 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
What's in Dunkirk's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Dunkirk Infrastructure Age
With 79% 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
The median home in Dunkirk was built in 1942 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Dunkirk 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 Dunkirk
In Dunkirk, the equity impact of remediation sits at the elevated end of the scale — the cost-to-value ratio is high enough that most homeowners are weighing a genuine financial decision, one where planning and scope prioritization are practical tools rather than optional considerations, and early documentation of what needs addressing determines the shape of the commitment.
At 2.1% of home value, remediation costs in Dunkirk represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,600–$3,300. Home values here are 37% below the Ohio average.
Dunkirk: 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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 79% of Dunkirk stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Dunkirk: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The NFIP has been tracking flood insurance claims across the United States for decades, building a data record that reflects cumulative flood history at the local level. For Dunkirk, that record shows a modest total that places the community on the lower end of flood exposure. That context matters for water quality: flooding can compromise both public treatment infrastructure and private wells, but the severity of those effects depends heavily on event magnitude and frequency. At low claim volumes, those pathways to water quality disruption remain largely theoretical rather than documented local risks.
Dunkirk 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.
What You Can Do in Dunkirk
- 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. Filters rated for Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Dunkirk's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 79% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dunkirk, OH