Gainesville, VA Water Safety: 54/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Gainesville, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by VA EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Gainesville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Gainesville Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.24.
Gainesville's Water Providers
Residential water in Gainesville, VA is supplied by 3 separate utilities — not one centralized authority. Each of those providers operates under its own service territory boundary, maintains its own distribution infrastructure, and files compliance documentation with the EPA on its own timeline. Federal data counts 3 water systems in the area, with these providers collectively accounting for the dominant share of household connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Gainesville, Virginia (population ~37,516), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 180,908 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Gainesville — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gainesville: D (54/100)
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
Gainesville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Gainesville
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20155 | C | Pwcsa - West | 136,409 |
| 20156 | D | MANASSAS, CITY OF | 42,696 |
All ZIP Codes in Gainesville
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.
Gainesville 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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Gainesville
Setting Gainesville remediation figures against its property market, the resulting ratio sits comfortably in the low tier — a classification that reflects the kind of household financial position where most homeowners can identify documented issues, schedule the work, and absorb the cost without it registering as a significant budget disruption.
Remediation costs in Gainesville are relatively low compared to home values. The $700–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 101% above the Virginia average.
Gainesville: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Gainesville — 12 insurance claims paired with 50% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Gainesville has a moderate flood history with 12 FEMA claims averaging $8,159 per payout. 50% 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>$1,500</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 Gainesville
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Gainesville, VA