Powhatan, LA: High Radon Risk — 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Powhatan, LA: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Powhatan Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Powhatan Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 21% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.25 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Powhatan
Water service in Powhatan, LA is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Powhatan, Louisiana (population ~9), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,515 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Powhatan — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Powhatan: 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
Powhatan water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Powhatan
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71066 | C | CAMPTI WATER SYSTEM | 1,515 |
All ZIP Codes in Powhatan
- 71066 [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.
CDC Health Data for Powhatan
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 Powhatan'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
Housing age matters for water quality because lead solder was widely used in plumbing until the 1986 federal ban. Powhatan's median build year of 2017 suggests a majority of homes were constructed under the newer standard — a meaningful factor when assessing household-level lead risk from tap water.
Most homes in Powhatan 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in Powhatan
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.
Locally, Powhatan's indicators line up: aggregate readings pass under the regulatory benchmark and the pre-rule housing footprint at 21% keeps lead in a background position.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Powhatan
How does Powhatan's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 3 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Powhatan has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $51,578 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>$2,500</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 Powhatan
- 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 Powhatan, LA