Cleveland, VA: 29 Violations — 51/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems serving Cleveland record elevated violation rates against VA benchmarks — residents in affected areas may want to check their local system's current compliance status.
How Cleveland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Cleveland Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 29 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0012 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 81% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.29 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cleveland
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Cleveland, VA's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cleveland, Virginia (population ~1,905), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 6,271 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cleveland: D (51/100)
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
Cleveland water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0012 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 22 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 18 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24225 | D | 29 | 0 | Lebanon, Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Cleveland
- 24225 [D] — 29 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 Cleveland
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 Cleveland Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Cleveland
With 81% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Cleveland's median build year of 1965 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Cleveland 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 Cleveland Homeowners
When the numbers for Cleveland are taken together, the remediation share is clearly in the elevated category — most homeowners here are weighing a commitment that extends beyond routine property upkeep, and the practical value of documenting scope early, prioritizing by urgency, and mapping costs against the household budget is proportionally higher at this tier.
At 2.7% of home value, remediation costs in Cleveland represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,900–$4,100. Home values here are 66% below the Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Cleveland
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 Cleveland represents 81% 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Cleveland
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Cleveland shows a moderate flood record — 15 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.
Cleveland has a moderate flood history with 15 FEMA claims averaging $5,134 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>$2,900</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.
What You Can Do in Cleveland
- 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. Filters rated for Revised Total Coliform Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Cleveland's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 81% 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 Cleveland, VA