Polk, OH: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Polk reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in OH — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Polk Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Polk Water
- Homes built before 1986: 63% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.05 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Polk
2 independent water providers serve Polk, OH — 2 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Polk, Ohio (population ~2,454), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 73,499 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Polk — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Polk: D (40/100)
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
Polk water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Polk
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44866 | D | Rural Lorain Company Water a | 73,125 |
All ZIP Codes in Polk
- 44866 [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 Polk
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 Polk
With 63% 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 more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Polk's median build year of 1975 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Polk 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 Polk Homeowners
Given current Polk valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Polk are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% above the Ohio average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Polk
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 63% 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 Polk address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Polk
- 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 63% 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 Polk, OH