Iola, TX Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current TX EPA data, Iola's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Iola Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Iola Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 34% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.06 — above typical levels.
Iola's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Iola, TX — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Iola, Texas (population ~2,785), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 6,683 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Iola — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Iola: B (73/100)
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
Iola water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Iola
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77861 | B | Wickson Creek Special Utility District Grimes County | 4,843 |
All ZIP Codes in Iola
- 77861 [B]
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.
Iola 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
Iola 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
The story of Iola's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1994 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Iola 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 Iola
Equity impact data for Iola lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Iola are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,500–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the Texas average.
Iola: 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.
When older housing represents 34% 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 Iola address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Iola: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood risk in Iola occupies the middle ground: 4 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Iola has a moderate flood history with 4 FEMA claims averaging $21,537 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>$2,300</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Iola, TX