Vaughn, WA Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Vaughn holds an above-average drinking water safety record for WA — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Vaughn Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Vaughn Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.95.
Vaughn's Water Providers
Because residential water in Vaughn, WA 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 Vaughn, Washington (population ~1,036), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,120 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Vaughn — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vaughn: B (73/100)
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
Vaughn water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Vaughn
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98394 | B | LAKELAND VILLAGE WATER | 2,120 |
All ZIP Codes in Vaughn
- 98394 [B]
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.
Vaughn 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
Vaughn Infrastructure Age
With 59% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Vaughn's median build year of 1989 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Vaughn 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 Vaughn
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Vaughn is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Vaughn are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% above the Washington average.
Vaughn: 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 stock in Vaughn represents 59% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Vaughn: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Vaughn 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.
Vaughn has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $21,800 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 Vaughn, WA