West Jefferson, NC: 1 Health Violation — 72/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water monitoring data for West Jefferson shows a consistently clean picture in NC — few violations on record, compliance well above the median.
How West Jefferson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About West Jefferson Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 7 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0021 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 56% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.28 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in West Jefferson
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in West Jefferson, NC — out of 6 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Jefferson, North Carolina, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 7,369 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Jefferson: B (72/100)
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
West Jefferson water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0021 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2931 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28694 | B | 7 | 1 | West Jefferson, Town of |
All ZIP Codes in West Jefferson
- 28694 [B] — 7 violations ⚠
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.
Health Outcomes in West Jefferson
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
Top Contaminants in West Jefferson Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in West Jefferson
With 56% 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
While newer cities carry lower aggregate plumbing risk from lead-era construction, West Jefferson sits firmly in the older category. The median build year of 1988 indicates that more than half the housing stock was built before 1986, when lead solder was still legally used in residential copper plumbing — and a substantial portion likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still commonly installed for service lines. These two thresholds together define the elevated plumbing risk environment that older housing cities carry, independent of what the municipal water supply delivers to the meter.
Over half of homes in West Jefferson 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for West Jefferson Homeowners
Remediation costs in West Jefferson are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in West Jefferson are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 2% above the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in West Jefferson
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.
Wherever 56% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in West Jefferson — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in West Jefferson
West Jefferson's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 61 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
West Jefferson has a moderate flood history with 61 FEMA claims averaging $16,072 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>$1,900</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 West Jefferson, NC