Buena, WA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to WA averages, Buena scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Buena Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Buena Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.85 — above typical levels.
Buena's Water Providers
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Buena, WA, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Buena, Washington, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,518 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Buena — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Buena: 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
Buena water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Buena
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98921 | D | ZILLAH CITY OF | 3,518 |
All ZIP Codes in Buena
- 98921 [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.
Buena 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
Buena Infrastructure Age
With 100% 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 Buena — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1975 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Buena 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.
Buena: 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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 100% of Buena homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Buena
- 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 100% 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 Buena, WA