South Hill, VA Water Safety: 69/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
South Hill shows moderate tap water quality for VA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How South Hill Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for South Hill Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0105 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 60% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.53 — above typical levels.
South Hill's Water Providers
Supply infrastructure in South Hill, VA runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Hill, Virginia, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 8,092 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Hill — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Hill: C (69/100)
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
South Hill water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0105 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23970 | C | South Hill, Town of | 4,600 |
All ZIP Codes in South Hill
- 23970 [C]
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.
South Hill 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
South Hill Infrastructure Age
With 60% 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 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in South Hill — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1973 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in South Hill 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 South Hill
Remediation costs in South Hill represent a moderate share of typical home values — worth budgeting for carefully, though within reach for most homeowners who plan ahead.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in South Hill. The estimated $800–$2,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 50% below the Virginia average.
South Hill: 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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 60% of South Hill homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
South Hill: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Federal flood insurance records for South Hill show a low claim count, placing local flood history at the lower end of the scale. At this volume, flooding rarely generates the kind of infrastructure stress that can compromise water quality at the treatment or distribution level.
South Hill 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>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in South Hill
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for South Hill, VA