La Plata, MO Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for La Plata puts the city in MO's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How La Plata Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About La Plata Water
- Homes built before 1986: 77% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.44 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in La Plata
Across La Plata, MO, 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 4 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 La Plata, Missouri (population ~2,393), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 26,663 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in La Plata — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for La Plata: D (53/100)
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
La Plata water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for La Plata
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63549 | D | Macon Company Pwsd 1 | 12,865 |
All ZIP Codes in La Plata
- 63549 [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.
Health Outcomes in La Plata
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
Housing & Infrastructure in La Plata
With 77% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in La Plata — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1964 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in La Plata were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for La Plata Homeowners
At current valuations, La Plata sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in La Plata are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% below the Missouri average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in La Plata
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 77% of La Plata homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in La Plata
- 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 77% 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 La Plata, MO