Head Waters, VA: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Head Waters, VA water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Head Waters Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Head Waters Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 75% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.16 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Head Waters
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Head Waters, VA, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Head Waters, Virginia (population ~70), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 300 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Head Waters — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Head Waters: 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
Head Waters water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Head Waters
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24442 | D | MONTEREY, TOWN OF | 300 |
All ZIP Codes in Head Waters
- 24442 [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.
CDC Health Data for Head Waters
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 Old Is Head Waters's Housing Stock?
With 75% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Head Waters — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1977 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Head Waters 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in Head Waters
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 75% of Head Waters stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Head Waters
How does Head Waters's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 1 claim — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Head Waters has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $37,935 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 Head Waters
- 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 75% 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 Head Waters, VA