Ponchatoula, LA: 2 Health Violations — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Ponchatoula, LA: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Ponchatoula Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Ponchatoula Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 9 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 33% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.1 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Ponchatoula
Across Ponchatoula, LA, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 6 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ponchatoula, Louisiana (population ~33,220), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 101,904 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ponchatoula: B (70/100)
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
Ponchatoula water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70454 | B | 9 | 2 | Pontchatoula Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Ponchatoula
- 70454 [B] — 9 violations ⚠
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 Ponchatoula
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
Top Contaminants in Ponchatoula Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Ponchatoula
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 Ponchatoula, the median build year of 2008 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 Ponchatoula 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 Ponchatoula Homeowners
Because property values in Ponchatoula comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Ponchatoula are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,350–$3,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% above the Louisiana average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Ponchatoula
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Ponchatoula have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 33% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Ponchatoula
Ponchatoula carries a substantial flood exposure profile — 1520 claims filed over the program's long tracking window and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. For water quality, that exposure level means flooding has likely stressed local treatment and distribution infrastructure on multiple occasions, creating periodic windows of elevated contamination risk.
Ponchatoula has a significant flood history with 1,520 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $47,385 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>$2,100</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ponchatoula, LA