New Market, VA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
New Market, VA: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How New Market Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
New Market Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.026 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 60% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.55 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving New Market
2 independent water providers serve New Market, VA — 2 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in New Market, Virginia, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 4,674 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in New Market — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for New Market: D (40/100)
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
New Market water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0260 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22844 | D | New Market, Town of | 2,274 |
All ZIP Codes in New Market
- 22844 [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 New Market
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 New Market's Housing Stock?
With 60% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1970, as in New Market, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in New Market 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.
New Market: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across the New Market housing market, the estimated remediation share sits at an elevated level — the cost-to-value ratio here is high enough that addressing documented water and safety issues becomes a material equity decision rather than routine maintenance, and most homeowners benefit from treating it as a structured financial planning exercise.
At 2.5% of home value, remediation costs in New Market represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,400–$8,800. Home values here are 16% below the Virginia average.
Protecting Children from Lead in New Market
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.
Where 60% of housing predates the federal ban on lead-bearing solder and citywide utility samples sit beyond the regulatory benchmark — as both conditions hold for New Market — the practical question for families with kids is what arrives at the specific faucet they actually use, not what the citywide average reads. An in-home kit produces that household-specific answer, with certified filter hardware via retailer networks addressing confirmed exposure where it appears.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for New Market
Flood risk in New Market occupies the middle ground: 11 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
New Market has a moderate flood history with 11 FEMA claims averaging $23,049 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>$6,600</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 New Market
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 60% 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 New Market, VA