Ruston, LA Water Safety: 95/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 12 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Ruston tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for LA — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Ruston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Ruston Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.25 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Ruston
In Ruston, LA, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 3 leading providers out of 12 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Ruston, Louisiana, covering 12 community water systems serving approximately 34,782 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ruston — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ruston: A (95/100)
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
Ruston water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 3 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71270 | A | Ruston Water System | 22,468 |
| 71272 | A | Ruston Water System | 22,468 |
| 71273 | A | Ruston Water System | 22,468 |
All ZIP Codes in Ruston
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 Ruston
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
Ruston: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Ruston, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Ruston are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% above the Louisiana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Ruston
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.
Lead risk in Ruston appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Ruston
Flood activity in Ruston is neither negligible nor at the level of the highest-exposure areas in the NFIP dataset. The 32-claim record and 67% flood zone coverage suggest a community that has experienced recurrent events but has not faced the kind of sustained, severe exposure where water-supply contamination becomes a primary public health concern. It sits in a middle range where flood history merits inclusion in any complete local water quality picture.
Ruston has a moderate flood history with 32 FEMA claims averaging $8,538 per payout. 67% 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ruston, LA