Big Horn, WY: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Big Horn, EPA compliance records fall well below WY averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Big Horn Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Big Horn Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.49 — above typical levels.
Big Horn's Water Providers
Because residential water in Big Horn, WY 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 Big Horn, Wyoming (population ~268), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 22,700 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Big Horn — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Horn: 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
Big Horn water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Big Horn
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82833 | D | SHERIDAN, CITY OF | 22,700 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Horn
- 82833 [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.
Big Horn 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
Big Horn Infrastructure Age
With 46% 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
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. Big Horn's median build year of 1998 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 Big Horn 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Big Horn
At current valuations, Big Horn sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Big Horn are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 102% above the Wyoming average.
Big Horn: 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.
Routinely in Big Horn, where 46% 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.
Big Horn: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood risk in Big Horn occupies the middle ground: 3 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Big Horn has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $1,479 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>$2,400</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.
What You Can Do in Big Horn
- 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 46% 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 Big Horn, WY