Empire, OH: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Empire's water safety record falls below average in OH — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How Empire Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Empire Water
- Homes built before 1986: 69% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.87 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Empire
The structure of water supply in Empire, OH is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Empire, Ohio (population ~270), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 5,676 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Empire — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Empire: D (45/100)
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
Empire water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Empire
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43926 | D | TORONTO PWS | 5,676 |
All ZIP Codes in Empire
- 43926 [D]
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 Empire
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 Empire
With 69% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Empire's housing stock carries a median build year of 1977. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Empire 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 Empire Homeowners
In Empire, 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 5.2% of home value, remediation costs in Empire represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,900–$4,100. Home values here are 69% below the Ohio average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Empire
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.
When older housing represents 69% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Empire address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Empire
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Empire falls in moderate-exposure territory — 11 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Empire has a moderate flood history with 11 FEMA claims averaging $2,755 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$2,900</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Empire
- 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 69% 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 Empire, OH