Dulac, LA: High Radon Risk — 37/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Dulac has lagged behind LA benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How Dulac Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Dulac Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 66% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.26 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Dulac
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in Dulac, LA — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Dulac, Louisiana (population ~522), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 128,118 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Dulac — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dulac: 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
Dulac water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Dulac
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70353 | F | Houma Water Treatment Service Area | 11,658 |
All ZIP Codes in Dulac
- 70353 [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.
CDC Health Data for Dulac
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 Dulac's Housing Stock?
With 66% 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
The lead that enters tap water in older homes often comes not from the municipal supply but from the home's own plumbing — from solder used in copper joints before the 1986 federal ban, or from lead pipes installed before 1970. In Dulac, where the median build year is 1972, these older materials are widespread. More than half the residential stock predates the 1986 solder ban, and a significant fraction predates 1970 as well. For residents in those homes, the city-wide water quality picture is a less relevant frame than the specific materials inside their own walls and under their own street.
Over half of homes in Dulac were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Dulac: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Property values and remediation costs in Dulac combine to produce a high equity share — the financial burden here is significant.
At 2.6% of home value, remediation costs in Dulac represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,500–$3,300. Home values here are 48% below the Louisiana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Dulac
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, 66% of Dulac 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Dulac
Across the years captured by NFIP data, Dulac has logged 1405 flood insurance claims and carries 100% of its ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — a sustained record consistent with high flood exposure. The water quality implications run through several pathways: treatment systems repeatedly stressed by high-volume intake, private wells in FEMA zones facing recurring infiltration risk, and distribution infrastructure that has likely experienced multiple backflow episodes during large events.
Dulac has a significant flood history with 1,405 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $28,000 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>$2,300</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 Dulac
- 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 66% 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 Dulac, LA