Colbert, WA: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Looking at federal monitoring data for Colbert, WA: the city clears benchmarks set under the Safe Drinking Water Act with room to spare — recorded exceedances are rare, and the systems serving local households have not triggered any pattern of repeat deficiencies in recent cycles.
How Colbert Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Colbert Water
- Average lead level: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 26% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.04 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Colbert
With 3 utilities splitting service in Colbert, WA, water accountability is distributed across 4 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Colbert, Washington (population ~10,682), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 46,114 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Colbert — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Colbert: B (70/100)
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
Colbert water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0017 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99005 | B | Green Bluff Water Assn | 218 |
All ZIP Codes in Colbert
- 99005 [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.
Health Outcomes in Colbert
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 Colbert
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
Housing age matters for water quality because lead solder was widely used in plumbing until the 1986 federal ban. Colbert's median build year of 1992 suggests a majority of homes were constructed under the newer standard — a meaningful factor when assessing household-level lead risk from tap water.
Most homes in Colbert 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Colbert Homeowners
In Colbert, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Colbert 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 4% above the Washington average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Colbert
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.
26% of housing in Colbert predates the federal action against lead solder — a contained share — and aggregate readings stay beneath the regulatory benchmark. Lead therefore sits in a quiet position on the local water-quality picture, with single-home draws as the standard tool for confirming any one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Colbert
5 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Colbert, and 100% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Colbert has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $42,309 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>$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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Colbert, WA