Otis, LA: High Radon Risk — 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Otis, LA tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Otis Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Otis Water
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.52 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Otis
Otis, LA draws its residential water from 2 separate providers among the 2 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Otis, Louisiana (population ~323), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,655 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Otis — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Otis: C (60/100)
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
Otis water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Otis
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71466 | C | Gardner Community Water System | 4,566 |
All ZIP Codes in Otis
- 71466 [C]
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 Otis
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Otis
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
For most of Otis's housing stock, construction occurred after 1986 — when lead solder in plumbing was federally prohibited. The median build year of 1993 broadly reflects that newer profile.
Most homes in Otis 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 Otis Homeowners
Low proportionality — that's the Otis picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Otis are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% below the Louisiana average.
Flood & Climate Risk in Otis
NFIP records stretching across multiple decades show Otis accumulating 1 claim and carrying 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA flood zones — evidence of meaningful exposure that extends beyond isolated incidents. The mechanisms linking flooding to water quality haven't changed: treatment facilities can be overwhelmed, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution systems can experience backflow. For a community at this exposure level, those mechanisms shift from hypothetical to periodically relevant.
Otis has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $5,016 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>$1,200</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 Otis
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Otis, LA