Shortt Gap, VA: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Shortt Gap, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by VA EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Shortt Gap Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Shortt Gap Residents
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.22 — above typical levels.
Shortt Gap's Water Providers
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Shortt Gap, VA, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Shortt Gap, Virginia, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,564 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Shortt Gap — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Shortt Gap: 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
Shortt Gap water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Shortt Gap
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24647 | D | RICHLANDS, TOWN OF | 4,564 |
All ZIP Codes in Shortt Gap
- 24647 [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.
Shortt Gap 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
Shortt Gap: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The NFIP has been tracking flood insurance claims across the United States for decades, building a data record that reflects cumulative flood history at the local level. For Shortt Gap, that record shows a modest total that places the community on the lower end of flood exposure. That context matters for water quality: flooding can compromise both public treatment infrastructure and private wells, but the severity of those effects depends heavily on event magnitude and frequency. At low claim volumes, those pathways to water quality disruption remain largely theoretical rather than documented local risks.
Shortt Gap has a relatively low flood history with 1 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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>$2,400</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Shortt Gap
- 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 Shortt Gap, VA