Harvey, LA: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to LA averages, Harvey scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Harvey Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Harvey Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,450 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.75 — above typical levels.
Harvey's Water Providers
3 water systems are tracked federally in Harvey, 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 2 ZIP codes in Harvey, Louisiana (population ~39,690), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 404,714 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Harvey — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Harvey: D (45/100)
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
Harvey water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Harvey
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70058 | F | GRETNA WATERWORKS | 17,026 |
| 70059 | D | NEW ORLEANS CARROLLTON WATER WORKS | 334,903 |
All ZIP Codes in Harvey
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.
Harvey 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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Harvey
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Harvey, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Harvey are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$2,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the Louisiana average.
Harvey: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Across the multi-decade NFIP program, Harvey has logged 11607 filed flood claims — a tally that corresponds with 100% of local ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. For water quality, the implications extend beyond property damage: when flooding reaches the magnitude this area's record implies, water supply systems face compounding stress. Treatment plants handling contaminated floodwater intake face sharply elevated contaminant loads. Private wells in low-lying FEMA zones are vulnerable to surface infiltration during each major event. Distribution networks can experience pressure-inversion backflow, drawing untreated water back into the supply. These are not remote possibilities at this exposure level.
Harvey has a significant flood history with 11,607 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $10,534 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>$1,450</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 Harvey
- 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 Harvey, LA