Blacksburg, VA: High Radon Risk — 67/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're checking Blacksburg, VA tap water safety, the short answer is: average — violations are present in parts of the city and specifics depend on which water system serves your address.
How Blacksburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Blacksburg Water
- Average lead level: 0.0038 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.83.
Who Supplies Your Water in Blacksburg
Throughout Blacksburg, VA, water comes from one of 3 primary utilities out of 4 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Blacksburg, Virginia, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 57,391 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Blacksburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Blacksburg: C (67/100)
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
Blacksburg water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0038 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24060 | C | Blacksburg, Town of | 34,578 |
| 24061 | B | Blacksburg, Town of | 34,578 |
| 24062 | C | Blacksburg, Town of | 34,578 |
| 24063 | C | Blacksburg, Town of | 34,578 |
All ZIP Codes in Blacksburg
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 Blacksburg
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Blacksburg Homeowners
At current valuations, Blacksburg sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Blacksburg are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,400–$2,750 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% above the Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Blacksburg
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.
Lead risk in Blacksburg appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Blacksburg
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Blacksburg shows 48 claims and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Blacksburg has a moderate flood history with 48 FEMA claims averaging $38,082 per payout. 50% 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>$2,100</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 Blacksburg
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Blacksburg, VA