Water Quality in North Tazewell, VA: 3 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
North Tazewell's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for North Tazewell, VA, the record shows 3 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North Tazewell
Water quality varies across North Tazewell's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24630 | C | 62 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
North Tazewell, Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 62 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving North Tazewell have accumulated 3 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 13,645 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. North Tazewell's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across North Tazewell water systems is 0.0026 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 62% of homes built before 1986, North Tazewell has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
North Tazewell is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving North Tazewell
North Tazewell is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 13,645 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Tazewell. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in North Tazewell
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in North Tazewell Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across North Tazewell's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Tazewell. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-03 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-02 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-12-19 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-12-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-11-08 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-03.
North Tazewell vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How North Tazewell's water quality compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Tazewell | C | 3 | 5 | 13,645 |
| Axton | D | 0 | 1 | 13,600 |
| Ridgeway | D | 0 | 1 | 13,600 |
| Martinsville | C | 44 | 2 | 13,700 |
Common Questions About North Tazewell Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in North Tazewell, Virginia:
Is North Tazewell water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. North Tazewell's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink North Tazewell tap water? North Tazewell's water receives a grade of C (62/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for North Tazewell? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
North Tazewell vs. Virginia Average
Understanding how North Tazewell compares to the broader Virginia average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within North Tazewell.
ZIP Codes in North Tazewell
North Tazewell spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 24630. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.