Birch River, WV - Home Safety Score unavailable
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated
Data: EPA SDWIS
Key Facts for Birch River Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 99 violations since 2021.
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0016 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 47% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $300 per household.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 17.2.
Birch River's Water Providers
Service in Birch River, WV can differ by address: 3 water systems are tied to the area in federal records, and the 3 largest are listed with their violation records.
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Birch River, West Virginia (population ~811), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 10,041 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
1 of 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count in the available EPA record (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations appear in the available health breakdown.
Water Sources
Birch River water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0016 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
1 of 1 ZIP records with known zones is in EPA Radon Zone 2.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Notice Rule | Reporting | 22 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Rule | Reporting | 8 | 1 |
| Total organic carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26610 | — | 99 | 2 | Summersville Municipal Water |
All ZIP Codes in Birch River
- 26610 - 99 violations ⚠
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Birch River Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). County health indicators are shown for context only and are not linked to this area's water records.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Birch River's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Birch River Infrastructure Age
With 47% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. Federal law banned lead solder in drinking-water plumbing in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Birch River's housing spans eras before and after 1986; its median build year is 1981.
A significant portion of Birch River's housing stock predates 1970, so some homes may have older plumbing materials. Residents in older homes should consider water testing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Birch River
Measured against the median home value, the estimated cost of fixing the issues flagged for Birch River lands in the lowest of the three tiers this page uses.
Estimated remediation costs in Birch River can be compared with local home values. The $150–$600 estimated range can be set against the median property value; actual costs vary by home. Home values are 28% below the West Virginia average.
Birch River: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Birch River: NFIP Claim Records and Water-Quality Context
Historical NFIP data for Birch River contains 12 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $21,213. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 100% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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. The $300 remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Birch River, WV