Riceville, TN: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Riceville meets baseline drinking water standards, some TN-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Riceville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Riceville Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 35% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.5 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Riceville
3 independent water providers serve Riceville, TN — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Riceville, Tennessee (population ~5,244), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 45,440 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Riceville — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Riceville: C (66/100)
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
Riceville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37370 | C | Riceville Utility District | 3,843 |
All ZIP Codes in Riceville
- 37370 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Riceville
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
How Old Is Riceville's Housing Stock?
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
With a median build year of 1996, Riceville's housing stock reflects a city built across multiple eras. A substantial share of homes predate 1986 — the year lead solder in plumbing was federally banned — meaning the risk from plumbing materials is unevenly distributed across the city's neighborhoods and property types.
Most homes in Riceville 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.
Riceville: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Riceville is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Riceville 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 7% below the Tennessee average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Riceville
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.
Routinely in Riceville, where 35% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Riceville
- 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 35% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Riceville, TN