Rochelle, VA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Rochelle reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in VA — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Rochelle Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Rochelle Water
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.29 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Rochelle
The structure of water supply in Rochelle, VA is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rochelle, Virginia (population ~848), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 13,274 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rochelle — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rochelle: 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
Rochelle water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Rochelle
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22738 | D | WILDERNESS | 13,274 |
All ZIP Codes in Rochelle
- 22738 [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.
Health Outcomes in Rochelle
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Rochelle
With 41% 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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Rochelle, the median build year of 1998 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Rochelle were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Rochelle Homeowners
In Rochelle, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Rochelle are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 9% below the Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Rochelle
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 41% of the Rochelle inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Rochelle
- 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 41% 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 Rochelle, VA