Black Diamond, WA Water Safety: 95/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Black Diamond's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for WA — and documented violations are few.
How Black Diamond Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Black Diamond Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 33% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 8.82.
Water Systems Serving Black Diamond
Black Diamond, WA is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 7 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Black Diamond, Washington (population ~6,351), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 55,864 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Black Diamond — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Black Diamond: 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
Black Diamond 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)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98010 | A | Black Diamond Water Department | 2,420 |
All ZIP Codes in Black Diamond
- 98010 [A]
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 Black Diamond
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 Black Diamond'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 is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Black Diamond's median build year of 1995 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in Black Diamond 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.
Black Diamond: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Black Diamond comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Black Diamond are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 70% above the Washington average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Black Diamond
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.
Routinely in Black Diamond, where 33% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Black Diamond
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Black Diamond shows a moderate flood record — 3 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.
Black Diamond has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $9,499 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>$1,800</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 Black Diamond, WA