Mc Laughlin, SD: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Mc Laughlin reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in SD — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Mc Laughlin Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Mc Laughlin Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 18.1 — above typical levels.
Mc Laughlin's Water Providers
Federal records list 1 water system serving Mc Laughlin, SD. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mc Laughlin, South Dakota, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,949 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mc Laughlin — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mc Laughlin: D (40/100)
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
Mc Laughlin water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mc Laughlin
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57642 | D | POLLOCK | 229 |
All ZIP Codes in Mc Laughlin
- 57642 [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.
Mc Laughlin Community Health Snapshot
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
Mc Laughlin Infrastructure Age
With 68% 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
Plumbing risk in older housing is defined by two eras: the pre-1970 period when lead pipes were commonly used for service lines, and the 1970-to-1986 period when lead solder remained standard in copper plumbing until the federal ban. Mc Laughlin's median build year of 1977 lands in a range where both eras are heavily represented in the housing stock. That creates an elevated aggregate environment for plumbing-related lead exposure — one that city-level water quality averages don't capture, because the risk sits inside individual properties rather than in the distribution system.
Over half of homes in Mc Laughlin 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Mc Laughlin
Middle of the range — Mc Laughlin homeowners face a remediation share that calls for real financial attention without reaching crisis territory.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Mc Laughlin. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 55% below the South Dakota average.
Mc Laughlin: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 68% of Mc Laughlin stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Mc Laughlin
- 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 68% 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 Mc Laughlin, SD