Water Quality in Rich Creek, VA: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Rich Creek'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
The compliance history for Rich Creek, VA includes 1 water violation on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rich Creek
Water quality varies across Rich Creek's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24147 | C | 66 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Rich Creek, Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Rich Creek have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 960 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Rich Creek'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 Rich Creek water systems is 0.0019 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Rich Creek 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
Rich Creek 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 Rich Creek
Rich Creek is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 960 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rich Creek. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Rich Creek
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 Rich Creek Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Rich Creek's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rich Creek. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-25 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-08-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-08-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-06-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-01-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-01-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-01-11 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-18.
Rich Creek vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Rich Creek's water quality compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Creek | C | 1 | 1 | 960 |
| Oriskany | D | 0 | 1 | 952 |
| Elk Creek | D | 0 | 1 | 971 |
| Keller | C | 0 | 1 | 975 |
Common Questions About Rich Creek Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Rich Creek, Virginia:
Is Rich Creek water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Rich Creek's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Rich Creek tap water? Rich Creek's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Rich Creek? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Rich Creek vs. Virginia Average
Understanding how Rich Creek 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 Rich Creek.
ZIP Codes in Rich Creek
Rich Creek spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 24147. 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.