Stafford, VA: High Radon Risk — 64/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Stafford shows moderate tap water quality for VA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Stafford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Stafford Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0018 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 30% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.33.
Water Systems Serving Stafford
2 water systems are tracked federally in Stafford, VA. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Stafford, Virginia, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 96,388 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Stafford — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Stafford: C (64/100)
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
Stafford water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0018 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22554 | C | Stafford County Utilities | 123,684 |
| 22555 | C | Stafford County Utilities | 123,684 |
| 22556 | C | Stafford County Utilities | 123,684 |
All ZIP Codes in Stafford
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.
CDC Health Data for Stafford
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
How Old Is Stafford's Housing Stock?
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
Some cities skew heavily toward one construction era; Stafford does not. The median build year of 1995 reflects a housing stock where older and newer homes share the market in meaningful proportions. That mixed profile means the city carries moderate aggregate plumbing-era risk — with older homes, particularly those built before 1986, representing the portion of the stock where lead-soldered joints may still be present.
Most homes in Stafford 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.
Stafford: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Stafford, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Stafford are relatively low compared to home values. The $933–$2,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 54% above the Virginia average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Stafford
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.
Once federal rules removed lead-bearing solder from new plumbing, building practice changed quickly. Stafford now carries just 30% of older inventory from that earlier era. Citywide readings remain compliant, though no system-level number can replace a one-home draw.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Stafford
NFIP records stretching across multiple decades show Stafford accumulating 110 claims and carrying 67% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA flood zones — evidence of meaningful exposure that extends beyond isolated incidents. The mechanisms linking flooding to water quality haven't changed: treatment facilities can be overwhelmed, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution systems can experience backflow. For a community at this exposure level, those mechanisms shift from hypothetical to periodically relevant.
Stafford has a moderate flood history with 110 FEMA claims averaging $6,486 per payout. 67% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$1,400</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Stafford
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Stafford, VA