Flatwoods, LA: High Radon Risk — 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Flatwoods, water quality data indicates below-average safety by LA standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Flatwoods Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Flatwoods Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 19% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 15.52 — above typical levels.
Flatwoods's Water Providers
Residential addresses in Flatwoods, LA are served by 2 primary water providers out of 2 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Flatwoods, Louisiana (population ~232), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 8,106 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Flatwoods — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Flatwoods: D (50/100)
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
Flatwoods water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Flatwoods
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71427 | D | Gardner Community Water System | 4,566 |
All ZIP Codes in Flatwoods
- 71427 [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.
Flatwoods 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
Flatwoods 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
Flatwoods has a newer housing profile — median build year 1991, placing most homes after the 1986 lead-solder ban.
Most homes in Flatwoods 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.
Flatwoods: 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.
Pre-rule stock in Flatwoods accounts for 19% of the inventory — a modest fraction — and citywide samples land safely beneath the federal action mark.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Flatwoods
- 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 Flatwoods, LA