Caret, VA Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Caret holds an above-average drinking water safety record for VA — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Caret Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Caret Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 31% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.33 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Caret
Caret, VA runs on one primary water provider among the 1 federally tracked system. A single utility is responsible for the overwhelming share of residential supply — including the infrastructure, compliance filings, and rate schedules that govern service for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Caret, Virginia (population ~719), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,375 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Caret — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Caret: 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
Caret water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Caret
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22436 | B | TAPPAHANNOCK, TOWN OF | 2,375 |
All ZIP Codes in Caret
- 22436 [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.
CDC Health Data for Caret
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
How Old Is Caret's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Development in Caret unfolded across multiple decades, and the median build year of 2007 reflects a housing inventory where eras of construction are genuinely mixed — including portions that predate the federal prohibition on lead solder in plumbing.
Most homes in Caret 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.
Caret: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Placing remediation in the context of Caret's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Caret are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% below the Virginia average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Caret
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.
Locally, 31% of Caret homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Caret
Caret's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 6 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.
Caret has a moderate flood history with 6 FEMA claims averaging $5,638 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>$1,200</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 Caret, VA