Galena, OH: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water compliance in Galena, OH ranks below average — documented gaps in multiple service areas.
How Galena Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Galena Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 26% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.03.
Galena's Water Providers
With 2 utilities splitting service in Galena, OH, water accountability is distributed across 2 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Galena, Ohio (population ~14,855), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 158,130 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Galena — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Galena: D (53/100)
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
Galena water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Galena
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43021 | D | Del-Company Water Company, Inc. | 150,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Galena
- 43021 [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.
Galena 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
Galena Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Congress banned lead solder in residential plumbing in 1986, drawing a clear line in housing risk by era. Galena's median build year of 2007 puts most of its residential stock on the newer side of that boundary — a profile that generally correlates with lower plumbing-sourced lead exposure across the city.
Most homes in Galena 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Galena
Because property values in Galena comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Galena are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,400–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 186% above the Ohio average.
Galena: 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.
If aggregate samples sit below the EPA action level and just 26% of Galena's inventory comes from the pre-rule era, systemic lead is not a dominant local concern. The aggregate still cannot tell a homeowner what is actually flowing from a specific faucet on a specific morning, which is why an in-home draw exists as a separate measurement at the household tier.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Galena: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
100% of ZIP codes in Galena are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 2 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Galena has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims. 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>$3,600</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 Galena
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Galena, OH