Nelson, VA Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Nelson, VA — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Nelson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Nelson Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.53 — above typical levels.
Nelson's Water Providers
Water service in Nelson, VA is split across 2 utilities out of 2 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Nelson, Virginia (population ~510), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,650 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Nelson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Nelson: C (63/100)
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
Nelson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Nelson
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24580 | C | Clarksville, Town of | 1,400 |
All ZIP Codes in Nelson
- 24580 [C]
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.
Nelson 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
Nelson Infrastructure Age
With 62% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Nelson, where the median build year is 1971, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Nelson 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 Nelson
The cost-to-equity ratio for remediation in Nelson is elevated — the financial planning challenge here is real and significant.
At 2.0% of home value, remediation costs in Nelson represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,200–$3,300. Home values here are 66% below the Virginia average.
Nelson: 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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 62% of Nelson stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Nelson: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Nelson's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 1 claim and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Nelson has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 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>$2,200</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 Nelson
- 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 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Nelson, VA