Custer, WI: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Custer, WI: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Custer Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Custer Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 45% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.86.
Water Systems Serving Custer
Custer, WI runs on one primary water provider among the 1 federally tracked system. A single utility is responsible for the overwhelming share of residential supply — including the infrastructure, compliance filings, and rate schedules that govern service for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Custer, Wisconsin (population ~2,235), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 26,717 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Custer — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Custer: 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
Custer water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Custer
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54423 | D | STEVENS POINT WATERWORKS | 26,717 |
All ZIP Codes in Custer
- 54423 [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.
CDC Health Data for Custer
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 Custer's Housing Stock?
With 45% 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
What does a median build year of 1999 mean for water safety in Custer? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in Custer 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.
Custer: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Custer, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Custer are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 26% above the Wisconsin average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Custer
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.
Locally, 45% of Custer homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Custer
- 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 45% 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 Custer, WI