Big Springs, WV Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Although conditions vary by service area, Big Springs's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within WV — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Big Springs Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
What You Should Know About Big Springs Water
- Homes built before 1986: 55% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 19.76 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Big Springs
A single dominant system supplies most of Big Springs, WV. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Big Springs, West Virginia (population ~1,064), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,868 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Big Springs — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Springs: 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
Big Springs water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Big Springs
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26137 | D | PLEASANT HILL P S D RT 16 DISTRICT | 1,868 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Springs
- 26137 [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.
Health Outcomes in Big Springs
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 Big Springs
With 55% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Big Springs's median build year of 1989 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Big Springs 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 Big Springs Homeowners
What does remediation cost in financial context for Big Springs 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 Big Springs are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the West Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Big Springs
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.
When older housing represents 55% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Big Springs address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Big Springs
- 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 55% 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 Big Springs, WV