West Lafayette, IN: High Radon Risk — 65/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
West Lafayette shows moderate tap water quality for IN — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How West Lafayette Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About West Lafayette Water
- Average lead level: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,333 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.03.
Who Supplies Your Water in West Lafayette
West Lafayette, IN is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 3 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in West Lafayette, Indiana, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 74,283 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Lafayette — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Lafayette: C (65/100)
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
West Lafayette 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47906 | C | Purdue Univ. Water Works | 50,000 |
| 47907 | C | Purdue Univ. Water Works | 50,000 |
| 47996 | B | Purdue Univ. Water Works | 50,000 |
All ZIP Codes in West Lafayette
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 West Lafayette
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for West Lafayette Homeowners
Given current West Lafayette valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in West Lafayette are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,533–$3,233 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 57% above the Indiana average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in West Lafayette
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.
Lead risk in West Lafayette appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in West Lafayette
Flood risk in West Lafayette occupies the middle ground: 65 NFIP claims and 67% 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.
West Lafayette has a moderate flood history with 65 FEMA claims averaging $5,898 per payout. 67% 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>$2,333</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.
What You Can Do in West Lafayette
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for West Lafayette, IN