Downsville, LA: 20 Health Violations — 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Downsville, water safety data for LA reveals moderate quality — federal standards are generally met, but documented exceptions exist in specific service areas.
How Downsville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Downsville Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 20 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 39% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.09 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Downsville
6 water systems are tracked federally in Downsville, LA. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Downsville, Louisiana (population ~5,237), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 19,638 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 20 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Downsville: 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
Downsville water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 38 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71234 | C | 20 | 20 | Cheniere Drew North Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Downsville
- 71234 [C] — 20 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.
Health Outcomes in Downsville
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
Top Contaminants in Downsville Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Downsville
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
Over the decades, Downsville accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1997 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Downsville 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 Downsville Homeowners
At current valuations, Downsville falls in the moderate remediation-share tier — a level where treating this as a budgeted line item rather than an ad-hoc expense is the practical approach.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Downsville. The estimated $1,100–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 13% below the Louisiana average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Downsville
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.
If 39% of the Downsville inventory comes from before the federal ban on lead-bearing solder — and if utility samples sit at or near 0.015 mg/L — the gap between citywide averages and one specific faucet becomes a practical concern rather than a theoretical one. That is why one-home reads exist as a separate measurement. A certified filter through retailer networks addresses confirmed exposure where it appears in a household.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Downsville
FEMA data shows 100% of Downsville's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 33 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Downsville has a moderate flood history with 33 FEMA claims averaging $19,366 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>$1,800</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 Downsville
- 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 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Downsville's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 39% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Downsville, LA