Mead, WA: 5 Violations — 62/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Mead meets baseline drinking water standards, some WA-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Mead Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Mead Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 5 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0013 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.04 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Mead
With 3 utilities splitting service in Mead, WA, water accountability is distributed across 6 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mead, Washington (population ~9,226), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 378,448 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mead: C (62/100)
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
Mead water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0013 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2440 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99021 | C | 5 | 0 | Whitworth Water District 2 |
All ZIP Codes in Mead
- 99021 [C] — 5 violations
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 Mead
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Mead
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Mead's Housing Stock?
With 46% 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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Mead, the median build year of 1981 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Mead 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.
Mead: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Mead 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 Mead are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 11% below the Washington average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Mead
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.
46% — that captures the slice of Mead housing dating from before the federal ban on solder containing lead. It pairs with aggregate utility readings that either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L, the benchmark set under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule. Together, the two figures shift one-home reads into a standard household-level confirmation, particularly for families with kids. A certified lead-removal filter is available through retailer-verified channels if a kit returns results that warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Mead
- 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. Filters rated for Total Organic Carbon can reduce the most common contaminant found in Mead's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 46% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mead, WA