Fairfield, VA: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Fairfield's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within VA — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Fairfield Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Fairfield Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 63% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.46 — above typical levels.
Fairfield's Water Providers
Water delivery in Fairfield, VA is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Fairfield, Virginia, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,666 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fairfield — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fairfield: 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
Fairfield water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Fairfield
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24435 | D | Long Hollow | 584 |
All ZIP Codes in Fairfield
- 24435 [D]
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.
Fairfield Community Health Snapshot
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
Fairfield Infrastructure Age
With 63% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Fairfield's housing stock carries a median build year of 1973. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Fairfield 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Fairfield
Looking at how documented remediation costs fit within Fairfield property values, the equity share lands in the moderate tier — a finding that positions the household financial perspective between routine maintenance and a significant budget commitment, where most homeowners can successfully address documented issues by treating the expense as a planned financial priority rather than an unexpected one.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Fairfield. The estimated $2,000–$4,000 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 38% below the Virginia average.
Fairfield: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
When older housing represents 63% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Fairfield address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Fairfield: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Fairfield falls in moderate-exposure territory — 2 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Fairfield has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $25,359 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>$3,000</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 Fairfield
- 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. With 63% 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 Fairfield, VA