Pilgrims Knob, VA: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, Pilgrims Knob shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within VA — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How Pilgrims Knob Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Pilgrims Knob Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 71% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.22 — above typical levels.
Pilgrims Knob's Water Providers
2 water systems are tracked federally in Pilgrims Knob, VA. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pilgrims Knob, Virginia (population ~440), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 23,890 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pilgrims Knob — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pilgrims Knob: 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
Pilgrims Knob water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Pilgrims Knob
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24634 | D | BUCHANAN CO PSA | 19,326 |
All ZIP Codes in Pilgrims Knob
- 24634 [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.
Pilgrims Knob 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
Pilgrims Knob Infrastructure Age
With 71% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in Pilgrims Knob, the median build year of 1973 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Pilgrims Knob 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 Pilgrims Knob
The cost-to-equity ratio for remediation in Pilgrims Knob is elevated — the financial planning challenge here is real and significant.
At 2.7% of home value, remediation costs in Pilgrims Knob represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,000–$4,000. Home values here are 65% below the Virginia average.
Pilgrims Knob: 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.
71% of Pilgrims Knob housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Pilgrims Knob: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 100% of Pilgrims Knob's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 9 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Pilgrims Knob has a moderate flood history with 9 FEMA claims averaging $27,852 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 Pilgrims Knob
- 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 71% 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 Pilgrims Knob, VA