Waterford, VA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
State safety rankings put Waterford, VA near the lower tier — below-average compliance on record.
How Waterford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Waterford Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 38% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.74.
Water Systems Serving Waterford
3 independent water providers serve Waterford, VA — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Waterford, Virginia (population ~2,212), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 5,565 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Waterford — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Waterford: 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
Waterford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Waterford
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20197 | D | Selma Estates | 1,540 |
All ZIP Codes in Waterford
- 20197 [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.
CDC Health Data for Waterford
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 Waterford'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
With a median build year of 1995, Waterford's housing stock reflects a city built across multiple eras. A substantial share of homes predate 1986 — the year lead solder in plumbing was federally banned — meaning the risk from plumbing materials is unevenly distributed across the city's neighborhoods and property types.
Most homes in Waterford 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.
Waterford: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Waterford sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Waterford are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 215% above the Virginia average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Waterford
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.
Routinely in Waterford, where 38% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Waterford
- 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. With 38% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Waterford, VA