Fredericksburg, VA: High Radon Risk — 79/100 (2026)
9 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Throughout Fredericksburg and across its water systems, EPA compliance data for VA shows above-average performance — violations are minimal, none of the tracked systems have recorded repeated MCL exceedances in recent cycles, and the safety picture has held steady across multiple reporting periods.
How Fredericksburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Fredericksburg, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0011 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,667 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.48 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Fredericksburg
Structurally, Fredericksburg, VA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 6 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 9 ZIP codes in Fredericksburg, Virginia, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 185,865 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fredericksburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fredericksburg: B (79/100)
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
Fredericksburg water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0011 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): 5 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22401 | A | Spotsylvania County Utilities | 95,686 |
| 22402 | A | Spotsylvania County Utilities | 95,686 |
| 22403 | A | Spotsylvania County Utilities | 95,686 |
| 22404 | A | Spotsylvania County Utilities | 95,686 |
| 22405 | C | STAFFORD COUNTY UTILITIES | 123,684 |
| 22406 | B | STAFFORD COUNTY UTILITIES | 123,684 |
| 22407 | C | Spotsylvania County Utilities | 95,686 |
| 22408 | B | Spotsylvania County Utilities | 95,686 |
| 22412 | C | Spotsylvania County Utilities | 95,686 |
All ZIP Codes in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg
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
Fredericksburg: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Fredericksburg is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Fredericksburg are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,450 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 32% above the Virginia average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Fredericksburg
The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Fredericksburg, that record documents 135 claims and 67% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase — and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.
Fredericksburg has a moderate flood history with 135 FEMA claims averaging $4,896 per payout. 67% 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>$1,667</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 Fredericksburg, VA