Suffolk, VA Water Safety: 92/100 (2026)
8 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems in Suffolk, VA serve households with few reported safety events.
How Suffolk Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Suffolk, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Suffolk score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Suffolk Water
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,471 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.6 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Suffolk
3 independent water providers serve Suffolk, VA — 7 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 8 ZIP codes in Suffolk, Virginia (population ~96,367), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 250,024 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Suffolk — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Suffolk: A (92/100)
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
Suffolk water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 8 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23432 | A | City of Suffolk, | 69,822 |
| 23433 | A | City of Suffolk, | 69,822 |
| 23434 | A | City of Suffolk, | 69,822 |
| 23435 | A | City of Portsmouth, | 97,915 |
| 23436 | A | City of Suffolk, | 69,822 |
| 23437 | A | City of Suffolk, | 69,822 |
| 23438 | A | City of Suffolk, | 69,822 |
| 23439 | A | City of Portsmouth, | 97,915 |
All ZIP Codes in Suffolk
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 Suffolk
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 Suffolk
With 51% 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
Because the majority of Suffolk's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1984 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Suffolk 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Suffolk Homeowners
What does remediation cost in financial context for Suffolk homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Suffolk are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,000–$2,214 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 19% above the Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Suffolk
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.
Older stock in Suffolk represents 51% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Suffolk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Suffolk falls in moderate-exposure territory — 232 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 88% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Suffolk has a moderate flood history with 232 FEMA claims averaging $26,774 per payout. 88% 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>$1,471</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Suffolk, VA