Sandy Hook, VA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Sandy Hook, EPA compliance records fall well below VA averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Sandy Hook Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Sandy Hook Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 20% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.76 — above typical levels.
Sandy Hook's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Sandy Hook, VA's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sandy Hook, Virginia (population ~1,303), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 8,873 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sandy Hook — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sandy Hook: 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
Sandy Hook water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sandy Hook
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23153 | D | Goochland Courthouse | 3,068 |
All ZIP Codes in Sandy Hook
- 23153 [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.
Sandy Hook 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
Sandy Hook Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Post-1986 construction is where the lower lead-solder risk lives, because that's when the federal ban on lead solder in plumbing took effect. In Sandy Hook, where the median build year is 1992, the housing stock falls broadly on the newer side of that threshold — a distribution that moderates aggregate plumbing-era risk compared to older housing markets.
Most homes in Sandy Hook 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Sandy Hook
Because property values in Sandy Hook comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Sandy Hook are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% above the Virginia average.
Sandy Hook: 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.
If aggregate samples sit below the EPA action level and just 20% of Sandy Hook's inventory comes from the pre-rule era, systemic lead is not a dominant local concern. The aggregate still cannot tell a homeowner what is actually flowing from a specific faucet on a specific morning, which is why an in-home draw exists as a separate measurement at the household tier.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sandy Hook
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Sandy Hook, VA