CITY REPORT VA

Ebony, VA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03

Public water compliance in Ebony falls below the VA baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.

How Ebony Compares

Ebony53/100
Virginia avg66/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
1
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
D · 53
Avg Safety Score
Zone 2
Radon Risk (Moderate)
$275K
Median Home Value
$400
Est. Remediation (0.1% of home value)

Key Facts for Ebony Residents

  • Homes built before 1986: 38% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 16.25 — above typical levels.

Ebony's Water Providers

Most residential addresses in Ebony, VA are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.

ROANOKE RIVER SERVICE AUTHORITY
Serves ~3,525 people
53
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ebony, Virginia (population ~236), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,525 people region-wide.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ebony — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Ebony: 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

Ebony water systems draw from: Surface water.

Lead & Copper

  • Lead data: not yet available for Ebony
  • 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.

Areas with No Violations

ZIP Code Safety Score System Population
23845 D ROANOKE RIVER SERVICE AUTHORITY 3,525

All ZIP Codes in Ebony

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Ebony Community Health Snapshot

11.7%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
18.2%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
18.2%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 11.7% ↑
Diabetes 18.2% ↑
Mental Health 18.2% ↑

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

Ebony Infrastructure Age

1995
Median Build Year
38%
Built Before 1986
33%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

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

Prohibited from residential plumbing since 1986, lead solder divides Ebony's housing stock along a timeline that the median build year of 1995 straddles. A meaningful share of homes predates the ban — a configuration that places moderate aggregate pressure on plumbing-related lead risk, distributed unevenly across neighborhoods.

1995
Median Year Built
38%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
33%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (33%) 1970–1986 (5%) Post-1986 (62%)

A significant portion of Ebony's housing stock predates 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used. Residents in older homes should consider water testing.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.

How Remediation Costs Compare in Ebony

Remediation costs in Ebony are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.

Median Home Value
$274,500
Est. Remediation
$400
Remediation as % of home value 0.1%

Remediation costs in Ebony are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the Virginia average.

Ebony: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

38%
Homes Built Before 1986

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.

Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 38% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Ebony.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

What You Can Do in Ebony

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 38% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
  4. Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Ebony, VA?
Ebony has an average water safety score of 53/100 (Grade D). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How does Ebony compare to Virginia average?
Ebony has an average water safety score of 53/100, which is below the Virginia state average of 66/100.
How many water systems serve Ebony?
Ebony is served by 1 public water system across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 236 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Ebony?
Estimated remediation costs in Ebony average $400 per household, ranging from $0 to $800. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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