Buras, LA: High Radon Risk — 37/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, Buras shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within LA — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How Buras Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Buras Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 15% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.1 — above typical levels.
Buras's Water Providers
Water service in Buras, LA is split across 2 utilities out of 2 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Buras, Louisiana (population ~2,092), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 345,211 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Buras — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Buras: F (37/100)
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
Buras water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Buras
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70041 | F | Port Sulphur Water District | 10,308 |
All ZIP Codes in Buras
- 70041 [F]
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.
Buras 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
Buras 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
Lead exposure in tap water isn't just a function of what water utilities deliver — it's also shaped by the plumbing inside individual homes. Structures built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints, and homes built before 1970 face an additional risk from lead pipes themselves. Buras's median build year of 2005 suggests the housing stock is broadly weighted toward the safer post-1986 era, but the age distribution shown above makes clear that the pre-1986 share of the inventory still represents a meaningful fraction worth understanding for anyone in an older home.
Most homes in Buras 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 Buras
Looking at how documented remediation costs fit within Buras's property market, the equity share lands in the elevated tier — a result that positions the household financial perspective as one requiring structured preparation, where mapping costs against household budget, documenting scope early, and sequencing by urgency are the practical tools that distinguish manageable outcomes from financially disruptive ones.
At 3.4% of home value, remediation costs in Buras represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,800–$4,000. Home values here are 56% below the Louisiana average.
Buras: 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.
Through the multi-year window of EPA Lead and Copper Rule monitoring, Buras has stayed under the action mark. Paired with a 15% pre-rule housing share, the result places lead in a lower-priority spot on the local picture — without erasing the structural gap between citywide averages and what arrives at one specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Buras: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A claim count of 1443 in the NFIP database — alongside 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones — points to something data alone can only partly convey: a community that has repeatedly dealt with the full consequences of significant flooding. Treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwater, private wells compromised by surface infiltration, and distribution systems stressed by pressure events are all downstream effects of the flood history Buras's NFIP record documents.
Buras has a significant flood history with 1,443 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $69,969 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$2,500</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 Buras
- 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.
- 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 Buras, LA