Watson, LA: High Radon Risk — 52/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, Watson shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within LA — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How Watson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Watson Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.1 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Watson
Because residential water in Watson, LA flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Watson, Louisiana, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 73,506 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Watson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Watson: D (52/100)
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
Watson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Watson
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70786 | D | WARD II WATER DISTRICT | 73,506 |
All ZIP Codes in Watson
- 70786 [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 Watson
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
Climate-Related Water Risk for Watson
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Watson shows a moderate flood record — 19 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Watson has a moderate flood history with 19 FEMA claims averaging $17,668 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 Watson
- 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.
- 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 Watson, LA