Paulina, LA: High Radon Risk — 47/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Paulina's water safety record falls below average in LA — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How Paulina Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Paulina Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 34% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.65 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Paulina
Multiple utilities divide Paulina, LA's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Paulina, Louisiana (population ~4,539), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 12,294 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Paulina — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Paulina: D (47/100)
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
Paulina water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Paulina
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70763 | D | LUTCHER WATERWORKS | 4,781 |
All ZIP Codes in Paulina
- 70763 [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.
CDC Health Data for Paulina
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 Paulina's Housing Stock?
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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Paulina, the median build year of 1992 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Paulina 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.
Paulina: Remediation Cost in Perspective
For most homeowners in Paulina, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in Paulina are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 55% above the Louisiana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Paulina
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 34% of Paulina homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Paulina
The NFIP claim record for Paulina — 85 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Paulina has a moderate flood history with 85 FEMA claims averaging $22,437 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 Paulina
- 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 34% 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 Paulina, LA